Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo

Isotopes quiz #1 Flashcards

Isotopes quiz #1
Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/10
  • What are isotopes, and how do they differ from each other within the same element?
    Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers.
  • Why is the atomic mass of an element usually not a whole number, and how is it determined?
    The atomic mass of an element is usually not a whole number because it is the weighted average of the masses of all its naturally occurring isotopes, taking into account their relative abundances.
  • What defines isotopes of the same element?
    Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
  • How do isotopes of an element differ in terms of their mass number?
    Isotopes have different mass numbers because they have different numbers of neutrons, even though their number of protons is the same.
  • What is the mass number of an atom and how is it calculated?
    The mass number is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in an atom.
  • Why does changing the number of protons in an atom change the element?
    The number of protons determines the atomic number, which defines the element; changing it creates a different element.
  • What is the atomic mass of an element and how is it different from mass number?
    Atomic mass is the weighted average mass of all naturally occurring isotopes of an element, while mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in a specific isotope.
  • Why is the atomic mass of carbon not exactly 12?
    Because atomic mass is a weighted average of all carbon isotopes, and a small percentage of carbon atoms are heavier isotopes like carbon-13 and carbon-14.
  • What is the most abundant isotope of carbon and what percentage does it make up?
    Carbon-12 is the most abundant isotope, making up about 99% of all carbon atoms.
  • How does the abundance of isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element?
    The atomic mass is influenced most by the mass and abundance of the most common isotope, with less abundant isotopes having a smaller effect.