Isotopes and Ions Flashcards
What is the definition of an isotope?
Atoms with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. They are variations of a specific element.
What is the definition of an ion?
An atom with a charge. This happens when an atom gains or loses electron(s) in order to have a full outer shell. None of the other sub-atomic particles change.
How do you work out how many protons are in an ion?
The amount of protons will be the same as it states on the periodic table.
How do you work out how many neutrons are in an ion?
The amount of neutrons will be the same as it states on the periodic table.
How do you work out how many electrons are in an ion if the charge is and isn’t stated?
If the charge isn’t stated:
To work out the amount of electrons, you need to write out the electron arrangement of that element. Then you need to add or take away the amount of electrons necessary to have a full outer shell.
If the charge is stated:
It is the amount of protons - the charge of the ion.
E.g. Oxygen with a charge of minus 2
Amount of protons (8) - charge of ion (-2) = 8 - -2 = 8+2=10
Electrons = 10
How many electrons are in a Aluminium ion (with a charge of +3)?
Use your periodic table
10
How many electrons are in a lithium ion?
Use your periodic table
2
What is the charge of a Fluorine ion?
-1
How do you work out how many protons/neutrons/electrons are in an isotope?
Protons will always be the same as the original element because they determine which element an element is.
The amount of electrons will be the same as the amount of protons.
To work out the amount of neutrons, take the mass number given and minus the amount of protons.
How do you know which element an element is based off of their atomic structure?
Look at the protons - they are always the same for each individual element.
It might be an ion so the electrons may differ, it might be an isotope so the neutrons may differ, but the protons stay the same.
