atomic mass and isotopes

Front

What is atomic mass?

Back

The weighted average mass of an element's isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (amu).

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

Two atoms of the same element with different amounts of neutrons.

Front

How do isotopes of an element differ?

Back

They have different masses due to varying numbers of neutrons.

Front

What is the atomic number of an element?

Back

The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which defines the element.

Front

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

Back

Subtract the atomic number from the mass number (Neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number).

Front

What is the mass number of an isotope?

Back

The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is the significance of isotopes in medicine?

Back

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

Front

What is a common isotope of carbon?

Back

Carbon-12, which has 6 protons and 6 neutrons.

Front

How many protons does Sodium-24 have?

Back

Sodium-24 has 11 protons.

Front

What is the difference between a stable and unstable isotope?

Back

Stable isotopes do not decay over time, while unstable isotopes (radioisotopes) decay and emit radiation.