Isotopes are variants of a specific chemical element. For example, uranium-238, uranium-235 and uranium-234 are three isotopes of the element uranium. The listed numbers are the mass number and each isotope has a different mass number. This number is calculated by adding the amount of protons and neutrons that the isotope contains in the nucleus and it is one of the differences between isotopes from the same element. Let's find out some of the most common similarities and differences between these isotopes.
Isotopes of the same element have different. Numbers of neutrons. What is the average mass? Weighted average so common isotopes have a greater effect than an uncommon isotope? What is the mass of an element? Protons + neutrons. An allotrope of carbon that is hard and is often used in jewelry is. All isotopes of a given element have the same number of protonsin each atom. The term isotope is formed from the Greek roots isos (ἴσος'equal') and topos (τόπος'place'), meaning 'the same place'; thus, the meaning behind the name is that different isotopes of a single element occupy the same position on the periodic table.
Similarities between isotopes of the same element
Each isotope of the same element is identical in most ways including having the same number of protons and electrons.
Differences between isotopes of the same element
Each isotope of the same element contains a different number of neutrons and this is the main difference between isotopes of the same element. The isotopes will also have a slightly different atomic mass because of the different number of neutrons. Radioactive (unstable) isotopes will also have different half lives (rate of decay). They may also a different type of decay and daughter isotope (daughter product), which is the product left over after radioactive decay.
Did you know?
Many of the elements have at least one stable isotope and a number of unstable (radioactive) isotopes. However, certain elements have no stable isotopes at all. This includes the elements technetium, promethium and every element after lead.
Many radioactive isotopes have very important uses in fields such as geology (radiometric dating), medicine (nuclear medicine), astronomy (radiometric dating), fire prevention (smoke detectors), food preservation (irradiation) and pest control (irradiation).
- A new element, Tyserium (Ty), has recently been discovered and consists of two isotopes. The other isotope is 337 g/mole and is 65.0% abundant. Of Ty as it appears on the periodic table?
- Different number of neutrons. Isotopes: Any of two or more forms of a chemical element, having the same number of protons in the nucleus, or the same atomic number, but having different numbers of neutrons in the nucleus, or different atomic weights. Isotopes show different physical properties but same chemical properties. Answer verified by Toppr.
- Isotopes of the same element have the same atomic number but different mass numbers (neutrons) isotopes are chemically alike because they have identical numbers of protons and electrons, which are the subatomic particles responsible for chemical behavior.
Related Articles
Learning Objective
- Discuss the properties of isotopes and their use in radiometric dating
Key Points
- Isotopes are atoms of the same element that contain an identical number of protons, but a different number of neutrons.
- Despite having different numbers of neutrons, isotopes of the same element have very similar physical properties.
- Some isotopes are unstable and will undergo radioactive decay to become other elements.
- The predictable half-life of different decaying isotopes allows scientists to date material based on its isotopic composition, such as with Carbon-14 dating.
Terms
Isotopes Chem Quiz Flashcards | Quizlet
- isotopeAny of two or more forms of an element where the atoms have the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons within their nuclei.
- half-lifeThe time it takes for half of the original concentration of an isotope to decay back to its more stable form.
- radioactive isotopesan atom with an unstable nucleus, characterized by excess energy available that undergoes radioactive decay and creates most commonly gamma rays, alpha or beta particles.
- radiocarbon datingDetermining the age of an object by comparing the ratio of the 14C concentration found in it to the amount of 14C in the atmosphere.
What is an Isotope?
Isotopes are various forms of an element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. Some elements, such as carbon, potassium, and uranium, have multiple naturally-occurring isotopes. Isotopes are defined first by their element and then by the sum of the protons and neutrons present.
- Carbon-12 (or 12C) contains six protons, six neutrons, and six electrons; therefore, it has a mass number of 12 amu (six protons and six neutrons).
- Carbon-14 (or 14C) contains six protons, eight neutrons, and six electrons; its atomic mass is 14 amu (six protons and eight neutrons).
While the mass of individual isotopes is different, their physical and chemical properties remain mostly unchanged.
Isotopes do differ in their stability. Carbon-12 (12C) is the most abundant of the carbon isotopes, accounting for 98.89% of carbon on Earth. Carbon-14 (14C) is unstable and only occurs in trace amounts. Unstable isotopes most commonly emit alpha particles (He2+) and electrons. Neutrons, protons, and positrons can also be emitted and electrons can be captured to attain a more stable atomic configuration (lower level of potential energy) through a process called radioactive decay. The new atoms created may be in a high energy state and emit gamma rays which lowers the energy but alone does not change the atom into another isotope. These atoms are called radioactive isotopes or radioisotopes.
Radiocarbon Dating
Isotopes Have The Same Amount Of Protons And Different Numbers Of Neutrons. They Are Still The Same Element (because They Have The Same Number Of P...
Carbon is normally present in the atmosphere in the form of gaseous compounds like carbon dioxide and methane. Carbon-14 (14C) is a naturally-occurring radioisotope that is created from atmospheric 14N (nitrogen) by the addition of a neutron and the loss of a proton, which is caused by cosmic rays. This is a continuous process so more 14C is always being created in the atmosphere. Once produced, the 14C often combines with the oxygen in the atmosphere to form carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide produced in this way diffuses in the atmosphere, is dissolved in the ocean, and is incorporated by plants via photosynthesis. Animals eat the plants and, ultimately, the radiocarbon is distributed throughout the biosphere.
In living organisms, the relative amount of 14C in their body is approximately equal to the concentration of 14C in the atmosphere. When an organism dies, it is no longer ingesting 14C, so the ratio between 14C and 12C will decline as 14C gradually decays back to 14N. This slow process, which is called beta decay, releases energy through the emission of electrons from the nucleus or positrons.
After approximately 5,730 years, half of the starting concentration of 14C will have been converted back to 14N. This is referred to as its half-life, or the time it takes for half of the original concentration of an isotope to decay back to its more stable form. Because the half-life of 14C is long, it is used to date formerly-living objects such as old bones or wood. Comparing the ratio of the 14C concentration found in an object to the amount of 14C in the atmosphere, the amount of the isotope that has not yet decayed can be determined. On the basis of this amount, the age of the material can be accurately calculated, as long as the material is believed to be less than 50,000 years old. This technique is called radiocarbon dating, or carbon dating for short.
Other elements have isotopes with different half lives. For example, 40K (potassium-40) has a half-life of 1.25 billion years, and 235U (uranium-235) has a half-life of about 700 million years. Scientists often use these other radioactive elements to date objects that are older than 50,000 years (the limit of carbon dating). Through the use of radiometric dating, scientists can study the age of fossils or other remains of extinct organisms.
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Isotopes Of The Same Element Have The Same Number Of Protons
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Differences between isotopes of the same element
Each isotope of the same element contains a different number of neutrons and this is the main difference between isotopes of the same element. The isotopes will also have a slightly different atomic mass because of the different number of neutrons. Radioactive (unstable) isotopes will also have different half lives (rate of decay). They may also a different type of decay and daughter isotope (daughter product), which is the product left over after radioactive decay.
Did you know?
Many of the elements have at least one stable isotope and a number of unstable (radioactive) isotopes. However, certain elements have no stable isotopes at all. This includes the elements technetium, promethium and every element after lead.
Many radioactive isotopes have very important uses in fields such as geology (radiometric dating), medicine (nuclear medicine), astronomy (radiometric dating), fire prevention (smoke detectors), food preservation (irradiation) and pest control (irradiation).
- A new element, Tyserium (Ty), has recently been discovered and consists of two isotopes. The other isotope is 337 g/mole and is 65.0% abundant. Of Ty as it appears on the periodic table?
- Different number of neutrons. Isotopes: Any of two or more forms of a chemical element, having the same number of protons in the nucleus, or the same atomic number, but having different numbers of neutrons in the nucleus, or different atomic weights. Isotopes show different physical properties but same chemical properties. Answer verified by Toppr.
- Isotopes of the same element have the same atomic number but different mass numbers (neutrons) isotopes are chemically alike because they have identical numbers of protons and electrons, which are the subatomic particles responsible for chemical behavior.
Related Articles
Learning Objective
- Discuss the properties of isotopes and their use in radiometric dating
Key Points
- Isotopes are atoms of the same element that contain an identical number of protons, but a different number of neutrons.
- Despite having different numbers of neutrons, isotopes of the same element have very similar physical properties.
- Some isotopes are unstable and will undergo radioactive decay to become other elements.
- The predictable half-life of different decaying isotopes allows scientists to date material based on its isotopic composition, such as with Carbon-14 dating.
Terms
Isotopes Chem Quiz Flashcards | Quizlet
- isotopeAny of two or more forms of an element where the atoms have the same number of protons, but a different number of neutrons within their nuclei.
- half-lifeThe time it takes for half of the original concentration of an isotope to decay back to its more stable form.
- radioactive isotopesan atom with an unstable nucleus, characterized by excess energy available that undergoes radioactive decay and creates most commonly gamma rays, alpha or beta particles.
- radiocarbon datingDetermining the age of an object by comparing the ratio of the 14C concentration found in it to the amount of 14C in the atmosphere.
What is an Isotope?
Isotopes are various forms of an element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. Some elements, such as carbon, potassium, and uranium, have multiple naturally-occurring isotopes. Isotopes are defined first by their element and then by the sum of the protons and neutrons present.
- Carbon-12 (or 12C) contains six protons, six neutrons, and six electrons; therefore, it has a mass number of 12 amu (six protons and six neutrons).
- Carbon-14 (or 14C) contains six protons, eight neutrons, and six electrons; its atomic mass is 14 amu (six protons and eight neutrons).
While the mass of individual isotopes is different, their physical and chemical properties remain mostly unchanged.
Isotopes do differ in their stability. Carbon-12 (12C) is the most abundant of the carbon isotopes, accounting for 98.89% of carbon on Earth. Carbon-14 (14C) is unstable and only occurs in trace amounts. Unstable isotopes most commonly emit alpha particles (He2+) and electrons. Neutrons, protons, and positrons can also be emitted and electrons can be captured to attain a more stable atomic configuration (lower level of potential energy) through a process called radioactive decay. The new atoms created may be in a high energy state and emit gamma rays which lowers the energy but alone does not change the atom into another isotope. These atoms are called radioactive isotopes or radioisotopes.
Radiocarbon Dating
Isotopes Have The Same Amount Of Protons And Different Numbers Of Neutrons. They Are Still The Same Element (because They Have The Same Number Of P...
Carbon is normally present in the atmosphere in the form of gaseous compounds like carbon dioxide and methane. Carbon-14 (14C) is a naturally-occurring radioisotope that is created from atmospheric 14N (nitrogen) by the addition of a neutron and the loss of a proton, which is caused by cosmic rays. This is a continuous process so more 14C is always being created in the atmosphere. Once produced, the 14C often combines with the oxygen in the atmosphere to form carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide produced in this way diffuses in the atmosphere, is dissolved in the ocean, and is incorporated by plants via photosynthesis. Animals eat the plants and, ultimately, the radiocarbon is distributed throughout the biosphere.
In living organisms, the relative amount of 14C in their body is approximately equal to the concentration of 14C in the atmosphere. When an organism dies, it is no longer ingesting 14C, so the ratio between 14C and 12C will decline as 14C gradually decays back to 14N. This slow process, which is called beta decay, releases energy through the emission of electrons from the nucleus or positrons.
After approximately 5,730 years, half of the starting concentration of 14C will have been converted back to 14N. This is referred to as its half-life, or the time it takes for half of the original concentration of an isotope to decay back to its more stable form. Because the half-life of 14C is long, it is used to date formerly-living objects such as old bones or wood. Comparing the ratio of the 14C concentration found in an object to the amount of 14C in the atmosphere, the amount of the isotope that has not yet decayed can be determined. On the basis of this amount, the age of the material can be accurately calculated, as long as the material is believed to be less than 50,000 years old. This technique is called radiocarbon dating, or carbon dating for short.
Other elements have isotopes with different half lives. For example, 40K (potassium-40) has a half-life of 1.25 billion years, and 235U (uranium-235) has a half-life of about 700 million years. Scientists often use these other radioactive elements to date objects that are older than 50,000 years (the limit of carbon dating). Through the use of radiometric dating, scientists can study the age of fossils or other remains of extinct organisms.
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http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/isotope
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiocarbon_dating
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Isotopes Of The Same Element Have The Same Number Of Protons
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