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The different forms of an element, which possesses the identical number of protons, however a distinct number of neutrons are called isotopes. Some of the elements like carbon and potassium exhibit isotopes, which occur naturally.

A charged atom or molecule is known as anion. The atoms are formed of extremely small particles known as neutrons, protons, and electrons. Electrons are negatively charged, which surround the nucleus, the protons are positively charged and neutrons haveno charge, both protons and neutrons are present within the nucleus. The atoms are considered neutral, when they possess similar number of electrons as well as protons.

The atomic number of an element is determined by the number of protons present within that element. Within an element, the neutrons number is variable, which leads to the formation of isotopes. The isotopes are the distinct forms of the same atom, which differ only in the number of neutrons possessed by them.

Thus, the atoms, which vary in the number of neutrons found in their nuclei are known as isotopes.