An isotope is a result of atoms of the same element having a different number of what particle? neutrons electrons protons

## Step 1<br />Isotopes are defined as atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This means that while the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom (which determines the element) remains the same, the number of neutrons can vary. <br /><br />## Step 2<br />The number of neutrons in an atom does not affect the charge of the atom, but it does affect the mass of the atom. This is because neutrons contribute to the mass of an atom, but they do not carry any charge.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Therefore, the correct answer is "neutrons". Electrons and protons do not define isotopes. Electrons determine the charge of an atom, and protons determine the element.