Isotopes and Average Atomic Mass

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses.

Front

What is average atomic mass?

Back

Average atomic mass is the weighted average of the masses of an element's isotopes, taking into account their relative abundances.

Front

How do you calculate average atomic mass?

Back

To calculate average atomic mass, multiply the mass of each isotope by its relative abundance (as a decimal), then sum these values.

Front

What subatomic particles are found in the nucleus of an atom?

Back

Protons and Neutrons.

Front

What is the charge of a neutron?

Back

A neutron is electrically neutral, meaning it has no charge.

Front

What is the charge of a proton?

Back

A proton has a positive charge.

Front

What is the charge of an electron?

Back

An electron has a negative charge.

Front

If an element has 4 isotopes, how do you determine which is the most abundant?

Back

The most abundant isotope is typically the one closest to the average atomic mass of the element.

Front

What is the significance of the atomic number?

Back

The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom and determines the element's identity.

Front

What is the relationship between isotopes and atomic mass?

Back

Isotopes of an element have different atomic masses due to differing numbers of neutrons.