Summary
This video explains what isotopes are, focusing on their definition, how to calculate the number of neutrons in different isotopes, and provides examples using sodium and carbon.
Highlights
Definition of Isotopes
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Isotopes are atoms with the same atomic number (number of protons) and position on the periodic table but have different mass numbers due to a varying number of neutrons in their nuclei.
Atomic Number and Mass Number Defined
00:00:31
The atomic number is the number of protons in a nucleus. The mass number is the sum of the number of neutrons and protons in a nucleus.
Example: Sodium Isotopes
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Sodium 23 and Sodium 24 both have 11 protons and 11 electrons. Sodium 23 has 12 neutrons (23-11), and Sodium 24 has 13 neutrons (24-11).
Example: Carbon Isotopes
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Carbon 13 and Carbon 14 both have 6 protons and 6 electrons. Carbon 13 has 7 neutrons (13-6), and Carbon 14 has 8 neutrons (14-6).