Isobars

In chemistry, we come across many elements that are unique and have different characteristic features. One of the unique and interesting characteristic features is the concept of isotopes, isobars, and isotones. Their classification is based on the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons. Let us discuss them in detail.

What Do You Mean by Isotopes?

Isotopes are atoms that have the same atomic number but different mass numbers. In other words, isotopes can be defined as atoms that have the same number of protons (or electrons) but a different number by neutrons. There are 250 isotopes of the 90 naturally occurring elements.

Generally, the isotopes are radioactive in nature. An unstable isotope decays to form a stable isotope. The former is called the parent isotope, and the latter is known as the daughter isotope. 

The chemical property of an atom depends upon its electronic configuration. Since the isotopes have the same electronic configuration, their chemical properties are nearly identical. Also, the physical properties depend on the mass of the atom. Since the isotopes differ in their mass, they have different physical properties. 

Some Examples of Isotopes

A few examples of isotopes are given below:

• 1H1, 1H2, 1H3

• 6C12, 6C13

• 2He3, 2He4

• 92U235, 92U239

What Do You Mean by Isotones?

Isotones are atoms that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Since the electronic configuration of the isotones is different, the chemical properties are different. Also, the mass of the isotones is different, the physical properties of isotones are also different. 

Few Examples of Isotones

• 6C12, 8O14

• 7N16, 8O17

• 16S36, 17Cl37

What Do You Mean by Isobars?

Isobars are the sample of atoms that have the same mass number but a different atomic number. The protons and the neutrons of an atom are known as nucleons. Hence, the nucleons of the atoms are equal to the mass number of an atom.

Since the mass numbers of the isobars are the same, they possess the same physical properties. Also, the electronic configurations of the isobars are different, so they possess different chemical properties. 

A Few Examples of Isobars

Some examples of isobars are:

• Iron and nickel are isobars. 26Fe58, 28Ni58

• Another example of isobars is argon and calcium. 18Ar40, 20Ca40

• Sodium and magnesium also form a series of isotopes. 11Na24, 11Mg24

A Few Characteristics of Isobars

• Since the mass numbers of the isobars are the same, they possess the same physical properties.

• The electronic configurations of the isobars are different, so they possess different chemical properties. 

• They take up different places in the periodic table. 

• They possess different radioactive properties. 

Real-Life Applications of Isobars

A few examples have been given where the isobars are used in real life.

• The isobars of uranium are used in nuclear reactors.

• The isobars of iodine are used in the treatment of goitre.

• The isobars of cobalt are used in the treatment of cancer. 

Major Differences Between the Isotopes and Isobars

Major Differences Between the Isotones and Isobars

Conclusion

This article focuses on the isobars. Isobars are the sample of atoms with the same mass number but different atomic numbers. Students are confused between the isobars, the isotopes, and the isotones. Therefore, this article also highlights the key differences between the isotopes and isobars, and also between the isobars and isotones. 

Therefore, by going through this article, one can easily understand the above topics and detail. One can clarify its doubts and understand its application in real life.