Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
isoelectronic
adjective
/ˌaɪ.soʊ.ɪˈlɛk.trɒn.ɪk/
Definition
Describing atoms, ions, or molecules that have the same number of electrons or the same electronic structure.
Examples
- The sodium ion (Na+) and the neon atom (Ne) are isoelectronic as they both have 10 electrons.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen (N2) are isoelectronic, having the same number of total electrons despite different arrangements.
Meaning
When two entities are isoelectronic, it means they share an equal distribution of electrons and thus have similar properties in some contexts, particularly in chemistry and physics.
Synonyms
- Electronically comparable
- Electronically equivalent
