STEM 3

CHEMZONE
Atomic Structure and Isotopes
 We have already learned about the
different properties and classification
of matter. We’ve also learned how to
physically separate mixtures. Since we
are studying matter, this time we will
focus on matter’s building block – the
atom. This means that we get to talk
about atoms, its subatomic particles,
and isotopes.
I’m ready when you are. Turn to the
next page and start learning.

~ Your Instructor

CONTENTS
2| INSIDE AN ATOM
3| ATOMIC NUMBER AND
MASS NUMBER
4| ISOTOPES
5| FOUR USEFUL ISOTOPES
1 6| REFERENCES
INSIDE AN AT M
Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. They are the smallest
units of an element that can combine with other elements. Atoms are
composed of even smaller particles, called subatomic particles.
ID
ELECTRON
Symbol: e–
Charge: negative
Mass: 9.1 x 10-31 kg
Discoverer: J.J. Thomson (1897)

ID
PROTON
Symbol: p+
Charge: positive
Mass: 1.36 x 10-27 kg
Discoverer: E. Goldstein (1886)

ID
NEUTRON
Symbol: n0
Charge: no charge
Mass: 1.67 x 10-27 kg
Discoverer: J. Chadwick (1932)

2
 Atomic Number &
Mass Number
All atoms can be identified by
the number of protons and neutrons
they contain. The number of protons in
the nucleus of each atom of an
element is called the atomic number
(Z). The chemical identity of an atom
can be determined solely by its atomic
number.
The mass number (A) is the total number of
neutrons and protons present in the nucleus of an atom
of an element. To find the number of neutrons, subtract the
atomic number from the mass number (A – Z).
To sum this all up:
atomic number = number of protons
number of protons = number of electrons*
mass number = number of protons + number of neutrons
Eg. Calculating the number of neutron:
6
atomic number
average atomic mass
C 12.01 = 12 (round to the nearest whole number)
Carbon 12 – 6 = 6 (subtract the atomic number from the mass
12.01
number)
3 Carbon has 6 neutrons.
*in a neutral atom
 Isotopes
In most cases, atoms of a given element do not all
have the same mass. Atoms that have the same atomic
number but different mass numbers are called isotopes.
This means that isotopes are atoms of the same element
but with different atomic masses.
To write an isotope, you must know:
• the mass number where:
• atomic number A – mass number
• element symbol Z – atomic number
• charge (if it has one) X – element symbol

Eg. Carbon-14 has 6 protons and 8 neutrons.

The isotope is written as:
14
6 C
There are three isotopes of hydrogen – protium,
deuterium, and tritium.

1
1 H 2
1 H 3
1 H
protium deuterium tritium

Protium has 1 atom and is the stable atom of

hydrogen. Deuterium has 1 proton and 1 neutron while
tritium has 1 proton and 2 neutrons.
4
 Cobalt-60 is used for
Americium-241 isotope in
radiation therapy treatment
smoke detectors initiates a
for cancer.
small current. This causes the
detector to go off when
interrupted by smoke.

4
USEFUL ISOTOPES
Some isotopes can save lives! Isotopes are used to find
out if a person is sick or not. This is called radiation
detection. Here are 4 useful isotopes and their uses.

Plutonium-238 is used for

batteries to power long-term
Chromium-51 determines
space travel. As plutonium-238
the volume of red blood cells
decays, it gives off heat that is
and the total volume of
converted to energy.
blood.

5
 REFERENCES
Bayquen, A., Peña, G., & Ramos, J. (2016). Exploring Life through Science: General
Chemistry 1. Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.
Swanson, J. (2020). Everything You Need to Ace Chemistry in One Big Fat Notebook.
Workman Publishing Co., Inc.
General Chemistry 1. Teaching Guide for Senior High School. Commission on Higher
Education, 2016
Hagad, H. R., & Salud, M. E. (2003). Phoenix Next Century: Chemistry. Quezon City:
Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.
Tillery, B. W. (2009). Physical Science. Mc Graw Hill Companies.

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CHEMZONE
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