What is an isotope?
Each element has a unique number of protons. For example, every carbon atom contains 12 protons. The number of neutrons can differ for each "form" of the same element - this is known as an isotope. For example, carbon-12 contains 12 protons and 12 neutrons in the nucleus, carbon-13 contains 12 protons and 13 neutrons, and carbon-14 contains 12 protons and 14 neutrons. Isotopes therefore have different relative atomic masses, and may differ in radioactivity. Carbon-14 is radioactive, but carbon-12 and carbon-13 are not.
JG
Related Chemistry GCSE answers
All answers ▸How do you know whether a compound is ionic or covalent and how can you find the conductivity rate for both heat and electricity?
Describe why diamond is hard and graphite is soft?
Explain the difference between covalent and ionic bonding.
Potassium forms an ionic compound with sulfur. Describe what happens when two atoms of potassium react with one atom of sulfur. Give your answer in terms of electron transfer.