Atomic Structure

Question 1

What is an isotope?

Answer 1

Atoms of the same element with the same amount of protons but with different amount of neutrons. They have similar chemical properties but differing physical properties.

Question 2

Uses of radioactive isotopes:

Answer 2

1. Medical use: to cure cancer via Y or B radiation (e.g. CO-60)
2. Industrial use: checking for leaks. Radioisotopes (tracers) are added to oil/gas, and at leaks, radiation is detected using a Geiger counter.
3. Measuring the thickness of sheets, etc.
4. U-235 is used to generate electricity as a fuel in nuclear reactors.

Question 3

Structure of an atomic symbol (like in the Periodic Table):

Answer 3

The abbreviation of the element is in regular font, while the atomic mass (neutron count) is in superscript and the atomic number (proton/electron count) is in subscript.