Overview
Isotopes are essential components of chemistry that help us understand the atomic structure and the behavior of elements. They are defined by their number of neutrons, which can vary even among atoms of the same element. This variation leads to different atomic masses and can result in some isotopes...
Key Terms
Example: Carbon-12 and Carbon-14 are isotopes of carbon.
Example: The atomic mass of chlorine is approximately 35.5 u.
Example: Uranium-238 is a radioactive isotope.
Example: The half-life of Carbon-14 is about 5730 years.
Example: Oxygen-16 is a stable isotope.
Example: Radon-222 is an unstable isotope.
Related Topics
Nuclear Chemistry
The study of the chemical and physical properties of elements that undergo nuclear reactions.
advancedChemical Reactions
Understanding how isotopes can influence chemical reactions and their rates.
intermediatePeriodic Table Trends
Exploring how isotopes fit into the broader context of the periodic table and element properties.
intermediateKey Concepts
Atomic StructureRadioactivityNuclear ReactionsApplications in Medicine