(b) What is the identity of the element whose isotopes you have selected?

Key Concepts

Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This results in different atomic masses for the isotopes of the same element. For example, carbon has isotopes like carbon-12 and carbon-14, which are used in various applications, including radiocarbon dating.

Element Identity

The identity of an element is determined by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in its nucleus. Each element on the periodic table is unique based on this atomic number, and it defines the element's chemical properties and behavior. For instance, an element with an atomic number of 6 is always carbon, regardless of its isotopes.

Atomic Mass

Atomic mass is the weighted average mass of an element's isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (amu). It reflects both the mass of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus and the relative abundance of each isotope. Understanding atomic mass is crucial for identifying elements and predicting their behavior in chemical reactions.