Isotopes and Ions

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 determine the number of neutrons in an isotope?

Back

To find the number of neutrons in an isotope, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the atomic mass.

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 an ion?

Back

An ion is an atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge.

Front

What is the difference between a cation and an anion?

Back

A cation is a positively charged ion (lost electrons), while an anion is a negatively charged ion (gained electrons).

Front

What does it mean for an atom to be neutral?

Back

A neutral atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, resulting in no overall charge.

Front

How does the charge of an ion relate to the number of protons and electrons?

Back

The charge of an ion is determined by the difference between the number of protons and electrons; if protons exceed electrons, the ion is positive, and if electrons exceed protons, it is negative.

Front

What is the significance of atomic mass in isotopes?

Back

Atomic mass reflects the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus, which varies among isotopes of the same element.

Front

How can you identify an ion from a neutral atom?

Back

An ion can be identified by its charge, which indicates a difference in the number of protons and electrons compared to a neutral atom.

Front

What is the role of neutrons in the stability of an atom?

Back

Neutrons contribute to the stability of an atom's nucleus by offsetting the repulsive forces between positively charged protons.