Chemistry - Isotopes Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is an isotope?

Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons, but different number of neutrons.

What does the number next to the isotopes signify? e.g. Cr-52

The atomic mass.

How can you tell isotopes apart?

By their neutrons and atomic mass.

How do isotopes compare in terms of atomic number?

Both elements will have the same number of protons. Signup and view all the answers

What about atomic mass for isotopes?

Isotopes will have different masses because they have a different number of neutrons that contributes to the mass of the entire atom. Signup and view all the answers

What about the number of electrons for isotopes?

Electrons will remain the same since the protons will remain the same. Signup and view all the answers

What about properties of isotopes?

Physical properties would stay the same except in terms of mass. Chemical properties would be identical due to the same electron arrangement on the outer shell. Signup and view all the answers

What are radioactive isotopes?

Unstable isotopes when the nucleus of the isotope breaks apart ejecting high energy particles into surroundings. Signup and view all the answers

How do radioisotopes become stable?

The emission of high-energy charged particles allows radioisotopes to change into stable isotopes over time. Signup and view all the answers

What are some harmful effects of nuclear radiation? (Select all that apply)

Cancer Signup and view all the answers

What are some beneficial effects of nuclear radiation? (Select all that apply)

Uranium-235: Nuclear power plants Signup and view all the answers

How is americium-241 helpful?

Americium-241 is used in smoke detectors, where emitted alpha particles collide with air molecules to produce charged particles. When smoke enters, it neutralizes the charges, triggering the alarm. Signup and view all the answers

What is abundance?

The average amount of a given isotope that occurs naturally on earth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average atomic mass?

The atomic mass as shown on the periodic table is the average of the mass of all the isotopes of that element. Signup and view all the answers

What is important to remember about isotopes?

Smaller the isotope, bigger the abundance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Isotopes Overview

Isotopes are atoms of the same element with identical protons but varying neutron counts.
Each isotope is distinguished by its atomic mass, represented by a notation such as Cr-52.

Identifying Isotopes

Isotopes differ in neutron number and atomic mass, which can be used for identification.
Despite differing isotopes, the atomic number (number of protons) remains constant.

Atomic Mass and Electrons

Different isotopes have varied atomic masses due to differing neutron counts.
The number of electrons stays the same across isotopes since the number of protons does not change.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical properties are similar among isotopes, except for mass differences.
Chemical properties remain consistent due to similar electron arrangements in the outer shell.

Radioactive Isotopes

Radioactive isotopes are unstable and emit high-energy particles as they decay.
Over time, radioactive isotopes transition into stable isotopes through the emission of these particles.

Effects of Nuclear Radiation

Harmful effects include damage to living tissues, potential cancer development, and birth defects.
Beneficial uses of nuclear radiation encompass nuclear power (Uranium-235), fossil dating (Carbon-14), smoke detectors (Americium-241), and cancer treatments (Cobalt-60).

Americium-241 in Smoke Detectors

Americium-241 emits alpha particles which ionize air molecules in the detector.
When smoke enters the ionization chamber, it disrupts the electric current, triggering the alarm.

Abundance and Average Atomic Mass

Abundance refers to the natural occurrence rate of a specific isotope on Earth.
The average atomic mass displayed on the periodic table is calculated from the weighted average of all isotopes of an element.

Key Takeaways

Smaller isotopes generally have a higher abundance.
Always read questions carefully to understand the context before answering.

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Description

Test your knowledge of isotopes with these flashcards. Learn about definitions, atomic mass, and how to distinguish between different isotopes. Perfect for chemistry students looking to reinforce their understanding of this important topic.