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SL 1.2 Isotopes
SL 1.2 Isotopes
SL 1.2 Isotopes
SL 1.2
Course Content
Structure 1.2—The nuclear atom
Guiding question: How do the nuclei of atoms differ?
Structure 1.2.2—Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers
of neutrons.
Perform calculations involving non-integer relative atomic masses and abundance of
isotopes from given data.
Differences in the physical properties of isotopes Nature of science, Reactivity 3.4—How can isotope
should be understood. tracers provide evidence for a reaction mechanism?
Specific examples of isotopes need not be learned.
Review
• Determine the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons in each of
these atoms
12 13 14
6 C 6C 6 C
Isotopes - Definition
• Isotopes are atoms of the same element (the same atomic number, the
same number of protons) with different masses (different numbers of
neutrons)
12 13 14
6C 6 C 6 C
99% of carbon atoms 1% of carbon atoms trace amounts of
mass is defined as 12 carbon atoms
How do we Know?
• Isotopes and their abundances can be identified by mass spectrometry
• This is covered in HL
Chemical and Physical Properties of Isotopes
• Isotopes have the same chemical properties
- Chemical reactions are determined by electrons, not neutrons
- (Actually, heavier isotopes have stronger bonds and react slower, but
you can pretend I didn’t tell you that because it involves quantum
chemistry that is definitely not in the course)