Isotopes & Atoms

Scientists discovered that an atom contains 3 fundamental particles: Protons, neutrons, & electrons. All atoms of a given element are identical because they have they same number of protons & electrons. However, it does not mean that all atoms have the same number of neutrons.

   

Since all elements have different properties, scientists refer to the periodic table





 Each element is listed in squares in the periodic table which provides information about a particular element. Scientists know where to specifically look when they are trying to identify an element.







Scientists look for:
A= Atomic # (protons & electrons)
B=Ion charges
C= Abbreviation of element
D=Element
 E=Atomic mass

The only subatomic particle that does not appear on the Periodic Table is the Neutron. But it's no big deal since the Neutron can be easily found by using this simple formula. Atomic mass- Atomic Number = # of Neutrons.


And since ATOMS do NOT have the same number of Neutrons they are called Isotopes. Hydrogen has isotopes...



Same with Lithium...


Mass Spectrometers are used to determine the abundance & mass if the isotopes of elements.
 Or you can simply just use the formula:  mass x abundance = atomic mass. THIS video will give a Clear understanding of how to find atomic masses. Enjoy!