Chapter 2.

1: The atom
(Taken from the assessment statements)
2. 1. 1. State the position of protons, neutron and electrons in the atom
&
2. 1. 2. State the relative masses and relative charges of protons, neutrons and electrons.
position relative mass relative charge
electron electron shell 1/1836 -1
proton nucleus 1 +1
neutron nucleus 1 0

2. 1. 3. Define the terms mass number (A), atomic number (Z) and isotopes of an element.
The mass number (A) is defined as the number of protons plus the number of neutrons in the atom.
The atomic number (Z) is defined as the number of protons in the nucleus.
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different mass numbers.

2. 1. 4. Deduce the symbol for an i sotope given its mass number and atomic number.


2. 1. 5. Calculate the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in atoms and ions from the
mass number, atomic number and charge.
Number of protons = Z
Number of neutrons = A-Z
Number of electrons in atom = Z ; for ions add x electrons for x charge and add y electrons for +y charge

2. 1. 6. Compare the properties of the isotopes of an element.
The chemical properties of isotopes of an element will stay exactly the same, as chemical properties are mostly
influenced by the electron configuration of the element. All isotopes have the same electron configuration (in
unionized ground state) and will therefore react in exactly the same way.
The physical properties of isotopes of an element will change, as the different mass number will result in different
mass. It will also result in a different half-life of the element (see 2. 1. 7.),
2. 1. 7. Discuss the uses of radioisotopes.
Some isotopes undergo radioactive decay, that is that after some time the fall apart into different elements and
give off either alpha, beta or gamma particles.
Alpha particles are emitted by nuclei with too many protons. Composed of He nuclei (2p
+
, 2n
0
).
Beta particles are emitted by nuclei with too many neutrons. Composed of an electron ejected from the
nucleus due to neutron decay.
Gamma rays are a high energy electromagnetic radiation (photons).
A half-life is how long it takes for half the amount of substance to undergo radioactive decay.
Carbon-14 dating
The most stable isotope is C-12.
C-14 decays into N-14 and e
-
.
Living organisms take up C-14 just the same as C-12.
After death, no more C is being absorbed.
After many years, we can measure the relative abundances of C-12 and C-14 and see how much the ratio
between these has changed due to radioactive decay of C-14.
The half-life of C-14 is 5730 years and can be thus used to date organic matter thousands of years old.
Cobalt-60 in radiotherapy
Co-60 emits very penetrating gamma radiation and can be used as a source of this.
Gamma radiation is ionizing, which damages DNA of cancer cells.
Healthy cells also experience damage, but are more likely to recover than cancer cells.
Iodine-131 as a medical tracer
I-131 emits beta and gamma rays which allow it to be easily detectable.
As it has the same function in the body as the stable isotope, it can be used to trace the function of the
thyroid gland.
Its short half-life of 8 days means that the body can dispose of it quickly.
Iodine-125 in radiotherapy
Source of beta radiation.
Pellets implanted into the tumor (often used in prostate cancer) and can act locally.
Half-life of 80 days means it can stay long enough in the body to work over an extended period of time and
does not need replacing.