Exploring the Table of Isotopes

Subject:

Science and Technology

Institution Name:

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Collection:

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Grade Level:

Secondary, Post-secondary

Abstract:

The following information will help you understand the Periodic Table of the Isotopes.

Elements: Each element has a fixed number of positively charged protons in its nucleus and an equal number of electrons orbiting the nucleus. For example, hydrogen (H) has one proton and one electron, but lead (Pb) has 82 protons and 82 electrons. There are about 115 known elements of which 82 are naturally abundant.

Isotopes: The nucleus contains both protons and neutrons. An element has a fixed number of protons but may exist with various numbers of neutrons. The sum of the protons and neutrons is the mass number. For example, helium exists as 3He(2 protons and one neutron) or as 4He (2 protons and 2 neutrons). The two forms of helium are called isotopes of helium. Isotopes of an element have the same chemical properties but different weights. Some elements have many isomers. Tin (Sn) has about 38 known isotopes. ~

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Other

Media Format:

Graphics/Photos, Text/HTML

Technical Requirements:

Web browser

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Custom License
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