Question

part 3 isotopes: use the information filled into the table to help you fill in the blanks.
name symbol atomic # mass # # protons # neutrons # electrons
235u
238u
carbon - 12
carbon - 13

1. explain the difference between an atom and an isotope.
2. what are some similarities between an atom and an isotope?
3. draw a bohr model for the two different isotopes listed above for carbon.

Explanation:

1. An atom is the smallest unit of an element that retains its chemical properties. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. So the key difference is the neutron - count variation among isotopes while all are the same element type.
2. Both atoms and isotopes of an element have the same number of protons and electrons (in a neutral state), which determines their chemical behavior and place in the periodic table.
3. For Carbon - 12 and Carbon - 13, in the Bohr model, both have 6 protons and 6 electrons. Carbon - 12 has 6 neutrons and Carbon - 13 has 7 neutrons. The electrons are arranged in energy levels around the nucleus with 2 electrons in the first shell and 4 in the second shell for both isotopes.

Answer:

1. An atom is the basic unit of an element. Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different neutron numbers.
2. They have the same number of protons and electrons (in neutral state), and thus the same chemical properties.
3. For both Carbon - 12 and Carbon - 13: Nucleus with 6 protons and (6 for C - 12, 7 for C - 13) neutrons. 2 electrons in the first shell and 4 in the second shell.