Isotopes Objectives: 5.2 To identify the advantages & disadvantages of using isotopes in industry, medical science, basic research & in the environment
Isotopes: Are atoms of the same element, but have a different number of neutrons ex. Carbon can have 6 or 8 neutrons C 12 6 C 14 6 OR 6 neutrons 8 neutrons
Isotopes: C C 12 6 14 6 Have the same number of protons & electrons Have the same atomic number Have the same chemical reactivity C 12 6 C 14 6
Ex #1 different What statement is false? A) Isotopes have the same number of protons B) Isotopes have the same number of neutrons C) Isotopes have the same number of electrons different
Different # neutrons Same # protons Ex #2 Given the three hypothetical atoms below, which are isotopes of the same element? A 10 6 B 10 5 C 12 6 isotopes 4 neutrons 5 neutrons 6 neutrons 6 protons 5 protons 6 protons
Ex #3 First Next 2 isotopes Different # neutrons Different Atomic Mass Same Atomic Number Ex #3 According to the graph below, how many isotopes of nitrogen (N) are there? 15 14 First Next Find atomic number of N Trace up – each point represents an isotope Atomic Mass 2 isotopes 13 12 5 6 7 8 Atomic Number
Ex #4 Finally First Next Next 3 isotopes According to the graph below, what is the mass number of each isotope of oxygen? 3 isotopes 10 Mass number = 18 Finally 9 Mass number = 17 First Next Next Find the number of protons Trace up – each point represents an isotope Add the number of protons & neutrons together for each isotope Number of Neutrons Trace along & find the number of neutrons for each isotope 8 Mass number = 16 7 7 8 9 10 Number of Protons
Isotopes: Occur naturally & are made artificially Most natural isotopes are stable Some natural & artificial isotopes are unstable (the nucleus “breaks apart”) When unstable, release radiation (radioisotopes)
Radioisotopes: Unstable isotopes (radioisotopes) can be used for: Cancer therapy Medical diagnosis Nuclear power plants Irradiation of foods Nuclear weapons
Key Points to Remember Isotopes are atoms of the same element, but with a different number of neutrons Same atomic number, number of protons & electrons and chemical reactivity Natural isotopes tend to be stable Artificial isotopes are not stable & can release radiation