Isotopes 1

Front

What is the atomic number of an element?

Back

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What distinguishes isotopes of an element?

Back

Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

Front

How do you calculate the mass number of an atom?

Back

The mass number is calculated by adding the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

Front

What is the mass number of an isotope represented by?

Back

The mass number of an isotope is represented by the sum of protons and neutrons, often written as 'Element-MassNumber' (e.g., Carbon-12).

Front

If copper-65 makes up 69.2% of a copper sample, what does this indicate about its abundance?

Back

It indicates that copper-65 is the more abundant isotope in that sample of copper.

Front

What is the average atomic mass of an element?

Back

The average atomic mass is the weighted average of the masses of all the isotopes of an element, based on their natural abundance.

Front

How do you determine which isotope of an element is most abundant?

Back

The most abundant isotope is typically the one that contributes most to the average atomic mass of the element.

Front

What is the significance of the neutron count in isotopes?

Back

The neutron count affects the stability and mass of the isotope, influencing its physical and chemical properties.

Front

What is the relationship between isotopes and chemical behavior?

Back

Isotopes of an element generally exhibit similar chemical behavior because they have the same number of electrons.

Front

How does the presence of neutrons affect the stability of an atom?

Back

Neutrons contribute to the stability of the nucleus; too few or too many can lead to radioactive decay.