Isotopes

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

An isotope is a variant of a chemical element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons, resulting in a different atomic mass.

Front

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

Back

To find the number of neutrons, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the atomic mass (rounded to the nearest whole number).

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

What is the significance of isotopes in chemistry?

Back

Isotopes are important in chemistry for understanding nuclear reactions, dating materials, and medical applications such as imaging and treatment.

Front

What is the difference between stable and unstable isotopes?

Back

Stable isotopes do not undergo radioactive decay, while unstable isotopes are radioactive and decay over time, emitting radiation.

Front

What is the atomic mass of an isotope?

Back

The atomic mass of an isotope is the weighted average mass of an atom of that isotope, taking into account the mass of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Front

How many neutrons does Sodium-24 have?

Back

Sodium-24 has 13 neutrons.

Front

What is the name of the isotope with 35 atomic mass and 17 protons?

Back

The isotope is called Chlorine-35.

Front

What do different isotopes of the same element have in common?

Back

Different isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Front

What is the relationship between isotopes and atomic mass?

Back

Isotopes of an element contribute to the average atomic mass of that element, as each isotope has a different mass.