Atomic Structure and Isotopes

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 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 an isotope?

Back

An isotope is an atom of the same element that has a different number of neutrons, resulting in a different mass number.

Front

How do you calculate the number of neutrons in an isotope?

Back

Number of neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number.

Front

What is the difference between Carbon-12 and Carbon-14?

Back

Carbon-12 has 6 neutrons, while Carbon-14 has 8 neutrons.

Front

What does the notation 'X-A' represent in isotopes?

Back

In the notation 'X-A', 'X' is the chemical symbol of the element, and 'A' is the mass number.

Front

How many protons does an atom of Iodine have?

Back

An atom of Iodine has 53 protons, which is its atomic number.

Front

What is the significance of isotopes in medicine?

Back

Isotopes are used in medical imaging and treatment, such as radioactive iodine in thyroid treatment.

Front

What is a stable isotope?

Back

A stable isotope is an isotope that does not undergo radioactive decay.

Front

What is a radioactive isotope?

Back

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