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? (i.e. Cr-52)

The atomic mass of the isotope.

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 is the atomic mass?

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 happens to the number of electrons in neutral isotopes?

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

What are the properties of isotopes?

Physical properties would stay the same except in terms of the mass. Chemical properties would be identical to the same electron arrangement on the outer shell. 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

How can you tell which isotope is more abundant?

The average mass will be closer to the isotopic mass of the most abundant element. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Isotopes Overview

Isotopes are atoms of the same element, sharing the same number of protons, but differing in the number of neutrons.
The number next to an isotope, such as Cr-52, represents its atomic mass.

Identifying Isotopes

Isotopes can be distinguished by their neutron count and atomic mass.
They maintain the same atomic number, meaning they have an identical number of protons.

Atomic Mass Considerations

Isotopes have varying atomic masses due to differing neutron counts, which contributes to the overall mass of the atom.
In neutral isotopes, the number of electrons remains unchanged because the proton count is stable.

Properties and Abundance

Physical properties of isotopes remain constant except for mass; however, chemical properties are identical due to similar electron arrangements in the outer shell.
Abundance refers to the average quantity of a specific isotope found naturally on Earth.

Average Atomic Mass

The average atomic mass listed on the periodic table is calculated based on the weighted average of all isotopes of an element.
The isotope with the greatest abundance will skew the average atomic mass closer to its isotopic mass.

Description

Test your knowledge of isotopes with this set of flashcards. Learn the definitions, how to identify isotopes, and the significance of atomic mass in relation to isotopes. Perfect for students exploring atomic structure and properties.