Understanding Isotopes and Their Uses

What is an isotope?

• An atom with a different number of protons and electrons

• An atom with the same number of protons and electrons, but a different number of neutrons

• An atom with a different number of electrons and neutrons

Which of the following is an isotope of Carbon?

• Carbon-12

• Carbon-14

• Both A and B

Why do isotopes have similar chemical properties?

• Because they have the same number of neutrons

• Because they have the same number of electrons

• Because they have different masses

Which isotope is used in smoke detectors?

• Technetium-99

• Americium-241

• Iodine-131

What is the process of using Carbon-14 to estimate the age of organic compounds called?

• Carbon dating

• Radiotherapy

• Isotope tracing

Which isotope is used to detect tumours in medicine?

• Iodine-131

• Technetium-99

• Uranium-238

What is the main difference in physical properties between isotopes?

• Their colour

• Their mass

• Their chemical reactivity

Which isotope is used in the treatment of thyroid disorders?

• Iodine-131

• Carbon-14

• Californium-252

What is the mass number of an atom?

• The sum of protons and electrons

• The sum of protons and neutrons

• The sum of electrons and neutrons

Which isotope is used to estimate the age of rocks in geology?

• Uranium-238

• Carbon-14

• Chlorine-37