Isotopes Flashcards
1
Q
What is an Isotope
A
An atom of the same element which has a different atomic mass (Neutron change)
2
Q
What does the number next to the element represent?
(Carbon-14)
A
The atomic mass
3
Q
Why do isotopes become radioactive
A
As atoms get bigger - they fall out of ‘the zone of stability’. This just means that the atoms fall out of the N:P (Neutron:proton) ratio.
4
Q
What is Alpha Decay
A
Alpha decay is where the current element loses a helium atom (Loses 4 from atomic mass) + (Loses 2 from proton). As a result, it turns into a new element
5
Q
What is Beta decay
A
Beta decay is where the atomic Mass stay the same but the atom loses 1 proton. This results in a new element with the same atomic mass.
