Atoms and Isotopes Explained

What are atoms that vary in the number of neutrons found in their nuclei called?

a. ions

b. neutrons

c. neutral atoms

d. isotopes

Answer:

Atoms that have different numbers of neutrons but the same number of protons are called isotopes. Isotopes of the same element differ in neutron number and nuclide mass, but not in charge. An example of isotopes are carbon-12 and carbon-14 of carbon.

Atoms that vary in the number of neutrons found in their nuclei are called isotopes. Isotopes are variations of a particular chemical element that differ in neutron number, and thus in nuclide mass. All isotopes of a given element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in the nucleus. This variation does not affect the charge of the atom as neutrons are neutral particles.

For example, carbon-12 and carbon-14 are both isotopes of carbon, differing in the number of neutrons in their nuclei.

Isotopes play a crucial role in various scientific fields, such as radiocarbon dating, nuclear medicine, and environmental research. Understanding isotopes helps scientists study the behavior of elements and their interactions in different contexts.

Isotopes are commonly represented using a notation that includes the element's symbol, mass number (protons + neutrons), and atomic number (number of protons). For instance, carbon-12 is written as 12C, indicating it has 6 protons and 6 neutrons, while carbon-14 is denoted as 14C, indicating 6 protons and 8 neutrons.

By studying isotopes, scientists can determine the age of fossils, track the movement of pollutants in the environment, and diagnose medical conditions through techniques like PET scans. The versatility of isotopes in research and technology showcases the importance of understanding these fundamental building blocks of matter.

Explore more about Isotopes to deepen your knowledge and discover their applications in various scientific fields.