The element hydrogen has three naturally occurring isotopes, \( {}^1H, {}^2H, \) and \( {}^3H - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question 10 - 2022
Question 10
The element hydrogen has three naturally occurring isotopes, \( {}^1H, {}^2H, \) and \( {}^3H. \)
What is meant by (i) the atomic number, (ii) the mass number, of ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The element hydrogen has three naturally occurring isotopes, \( {}^1H, {}^2H, \) and \( {}^3H - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question 10 - 2022
Step 1
What is meant by (i) the atomic number?
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The atomic number is the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom. It defines the identity of the element and determines its position in the periodic table. For a neutral atom, the atomic number also corresponds to the number of electrons.
Step 2
What is meant by (ii) the mass number?
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The mass number is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons (nucleons) in the nucleus of an atom. It indicates the total number of these particles and helps in distinguishing between different isotopes of the same element.
Step 3
What are isotopes?
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Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same atomic number but different mass numbers. This difference arises because isotopes have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons in their nuclei.
Step 4
In terms of subatomic particles, how do \( {}^1H \) and \( {}^2H \) differ?
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The isotope ( {}^1H ) has one proton and no neutrons in its nucleus, while ( {}^2H ) contains one proton and one neutron. This difference in neutrons leads to different mass numbers for the isotopes, with ( {}^2H ) being heavier.
Step 5
Define radioactivity.
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Radioactivity is the spontaneous decay of unstable nuclei, releasing radiation (which can be in the form of alpha, beta, or gamma radiation). It occurs as unstable atoms seek to become more stable by releasing energy and particles.
Step 6
What is a beta particle?
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A beta particle is a high-energy, high-speed electron or positron that is emitted during the radioactive decay of an unstable nucleus. It is a subatomic particle with a very small mass.
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