what makes an element distinct
These different versions of hydrogen are called isotopes. All isotopes of a particular element have the same number of protons, but have a different number of neutrons. If you change the number of neutrons an atom has, you make an isotope of that element.Currently, scientists know of 118 different elements.Some, like gold, silver, copper and carbon, have been known for thousands of years.f you change the number of neutrons an atom has, you make an isotope of that element. Currently, scientists know of 118 different elements. Some, like gold, silver, copper and carbon, have been known for thousands of years.