Which statement describes the relationship between neutrons and atoms as given?

• A. All atoms contain an equal number of neutrons.
• B. Some atoms contain an excess of neutrons, which can form a 'skin' on the atom's surface.
• C. Neutrons determine the chemical properties of an element.
• D. Neutrons orbit the nucleus like electrons.

Answer: (B)

Neutrons sit in the nucleus and come in numbers that can vary between isotopes. In many heavier atoms, there are more neutrons than protons, and this surplus can push neutrons slightly outward from the proton core, creating a neutron-rich layer or “skin” on the surface. That idea matches the statement that some atoms contain an excess of neutrons, which can form a skin. The chemical properties of an element are governed mainly by electrons and how they’re arranged, not by neutrons, and neutrons don’t orbit the nucleus like electrons do. Also, atoms of the same element can have different neutron counts (different isotopes), so there isn’t a universal equal number of neutrons across all atoms.