Understanding Isotopes and Atomic Structure

Vocabulary flashcards defining isotopes, atomic number, mass number, and specific isotope examples including sodium and carbon.

Isotopes

Two or more types of atoms that have the same atomic number (number of protons in the nuclei) and the same position in the periodic table, but have different mass numbers due to a different number of neutrons in their nuclei.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in a nucleus.

Mass Number

The sum of the number of neutrons and the number of protons in a nucleus.

Sodium-23

A sodium isotope with $11$ protons, $11$ electrons, and a mass number of $23$, resulting in $12$ neutrons ($23 - 11 = 12$).

Sodium-24

A sodium isotope with $11$ protons, $11$ electrons, and a mass number of $24$, resulting in $13$ neutrons ($24 - 11 = 13$).

Carbon-13

A carbon isotope with $6$ protons, $6$ electrons, and a mass number of $13$, resulting in $7$ neutrons ($13 - 6 = 7$).

Carbon-14

A carbon isotope with $6$ protons, $6$ electrons, and a mass number of $14$, resulting in $8$ neutrons ($14 - 6 = 8$).