Atoms & Isotopes

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

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 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 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 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-12 is written as 12C).

Front

How many neutrons are in Carbon-14?

Back

Carbon-14 has 8 neutrons (14 mass number - 6 protons = 8 neutrons).

Front

What is the difference between an atom and an isotope?

Back

An atom is the basic unit of a chemical element, while an isotope is a variant of an atom with a different number of neutrons.

Front

What is the significance of isotopes in medicine?

Back

Isotopes are used in medicine for diagnostic imaging and treatment, such as radioactive iodine in thyroid treatment.

Front

How many protons are in an atom of Oxygen-16?

Back

Oxygen-16 has 8 protons.

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

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