Understanding Isotopes

What defines an isotope of an element?

• Different number of protons

• Different atomic number

• Different number of neutrons

• Different number of electrons

Why is the atomic mass on the periodic table often a decimal?

• It is the mass of the most common isotope

• It is a random number

• It is an average of all isotopes' masses

• It represents the mass of the heaviest isotope

In the example with carbon isotopes, what is the mass of carbon-13?

• 12

• 13

• 14

• 11

How many protons does carbon-12 have?

• 5

• 6

• 7

• 8

What happens if you add a proton to a carbon atom?

• It remains the same

• It becomes a lighter carbon isotope

• It becomes nitrogen

• It becomes a heavier carbon isotope

How is an isotope indicated in writing?

• Element name followed by a dash and mass number

• Element name followed by a dash and proton number

• Element name followed by a dash and atomic number

• Element name followed by a dash and electron number

What is the most common isotope of hydrogen?

• Hydrogen-2

• Hydrogen-1

• Hydrogen-4

• Hydrogen-3

Why are isotopes important in society?

• They are used in carbon dating

• They are used in medical imaging

• All of the above

• They are used in nuclear reactions

What is the mass of the most common hydrogen isotope?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

What does the average atomic mass on the periodic table represent?

• The mass of the heaviest isotope

• The mass of the lightest isotope

• The average mass of all isotopes

• The mass of the most common isotope