Atoms & Isotopes

Front

What is an atom?

Back

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element. It consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons.

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, resulting in different atomic masses.

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 atomic number?

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 difference between Carbon-12 and Carbon-14?

Back

Carbon-12 has 6 neutrons, while Carbon-14 has 8 neutrons. They are isotopes of carbon.

Front

What is the symbol for Fluorine-18?

Back

The symbol for Fluorine-18 is written as 18F.

Front

How many protons are in Neon-20?

Back

Neon-20 has 10 protons.

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

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

Front

How many neutrons are in Carbon-13?

Back

Carbon-13 has 7 neutrons.