Atoms & Isotopes

Front

What is an atom?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Front

What are isotopes?

Back

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Front

How do you calculate the number of neutrons in an isotope?

Back

Subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the mass number (total number of protons and neutrons).

Front

What is the mass number of an atom?

Back

The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is the atomic number of an element?

Back

The atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity.

Front

How do isotopes of the same element differ?

Back

Isotopes of the same element differ in the number of neutrons they contain.

Front

What is the symbol for an isotope?

Back

The symbol for an isotope is written as the element's symbol followed by the mass number (e.g., Carbon-14 is written as ¹⁴C).

Front

What is the difference between Lithium-6 and Lithium-7?

Back

Lithium-6 has 3 neutrons, while Lithium-7 has 4 neutrons.

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

A radioactive isotope is an isotope that is unstable and decays over time, emitting radiation.

Front

What is the significance of isotopes in medicine?

Back

Isotopes are used in medical imaging and treatment, such as radioactive iodine in thyroid treatment.