Chapter 2 - Section 2.1 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 74: 3

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons (and, therefore, the same atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. These variations in the number of neutrons give isotopes slightly different properties. Radioisotopes, also known as radioactive isotopes, are a subset of isotopes that exhibit radioactive decay. Here's how isotopes of the same element differ from each other and how radioisotopes differ from non-radioactive isotopes: **Isotopes of the Same Element**: 1. **Same Atomic Number**: Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons in their nuclei, which determines their atomic number. This means they have the same chemical properties and belong to the same position on the periodic table. 2. **Different Mass Number**: Isotopes differ in their mass numbers, which is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Since they have different numbers of neutrons, they have different mass numbers. This difference in mass leads to variations in their atomic masses. 3. **Chemical Similarity**: Isotopes of the same element have virtually identical chemical properties because their electron configurations, which determine chemical behavior, are the same. They will form the same types of chemical bonds and react in the same way. 4. **Stability**: Some isotopes are more stable than others. Isotopes with a balanced ratio of protons to neutrons are typically more stable, while those with an imbalance may undergo radioactive decay. **Radioisotopes**: Radioisotopes are isotopes that exhibit radioactive decay. This means they are unstable and spontaneously transform into more stable isotopes over time by emitting radiation. Here are the key differences between radioisotopes and non-radioactive isotopes: 1. **Radioactive Decay**: The defining characteristic of radioisotopes is their ability to undergo radioactive decay. During this process, they emit various types of radiation, such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays, as they transform into more stable isotopes. 2. **Half-Life**: Radioisotopes have a characteristic half-life, which is the time it takes for half of a sample of the radioisotope to decay. This property is used in radiometric dating and various applications in science, medicine, and industry. 3. **Emission of Radiation**: Radioisotopes emit radiation, which can be harmful to living organisms if not properly controlled or shielded. This property makes them useful in medical imaging (e.g., PET scans), cancer treatment (radiation therapy), and as tracers in scientific research. 4. **Applications**: Radioisotopes have a wide range of applications, including in nuclear medicine for diagnosis and treatment, in radiography for industrial testing, and in scientific research for tracing chemical and biological processes. In summary, isotopes of the same element differ in their number of neutrons but have the same number of protons and, therefore, similar chemical properties. Radioisotopes, on the other hand, are a subset of isotopes that undergo radioactive decay, emitting radiation as they transform into more stable isotopes. This property of radioisotopes has important applications in various fields, including medicine, industry, and scientific research.

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons (and, therefore, the same atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. These variations in the number of neutrons give isotopes slightly different properties. Radioisotopes, also known as radioactive isotopes, are a subset of isotopes that exhibit radioactive decay. Here's how isotopes of the same element differ from each other and how radioisotopes differ from non-radioactive isotopes: **Isotopes of the Same Element**: 1. **Same Atomic Number**: Isotopes of the same element have the same number of protons in their nuclei, which determines their atomic number. This means they have the same chemical properties and belong to the same position on the periodic table. 2. **Different Mass Number**: Isotopes differ in their mass numbers, which is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Since they have different numbers of neutrons, they have different mass numbers. This difference in mass leads to variations in their atomic masses. 3. **Chemical Similarity**: Isotopes of the same element have virtually identical chemical properties because their electron configurations, which determine chemical behavior, are the same. They will form the same types of chemical bonds and react in the same way. 4. **Stability**: Some isotopes are more stable than others. Isotopes with a balanced ratio of protons to neutrons are typically more stable, while those with an imbalance may undergo radioactive decay. **Radioisotopes**: Radioisotopes are isotopes that exhibit radioactive decay. This means they are unstable and spontaneously transform into more stable isotopes over time by emitting radiation. Here are the key differences between radioisotopes and non-radioactive isotopes: 1. **Radioactive Decay**: The defining characteristic of radioisotopes is their ability to undergo radioactive decay. During this process, they emit various types of radiation, such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays, as they transform into more stable isotopes. 2. **Half-Life**: Radioisotopes have a characteristic half-life, which is the time it takes for half of a sample of the radioisotope to decay. This property is used in radiometric dating and various applications in science, medicine, and industry. 3. **Emission of Radiation**: Radioisotopes emit radiation, which can be harmful to living organisms if not properly controlled or shielded. This property makes them useful in medical imaging (e.g., PET scans), cancer treatment (radiation therapy), and as tracers in scientific research. 4. **Applications**: Radioisotopes have a wide range of applications, including in nuclear medicine for diagnosis and treatment, in radiography for industrial testing, and in scientific research for tracing chemical and biological processes. In summary, isotopes of the same element differ in their number of neutrons but have the same number of protons and, therefore, similar chemical properties. Radioisotopes, on the other hand, are a subset of isotopes that undergo radioactive decay, emitting radiation as they transform into more stable isotopes. This property of radioisotopes has important applications in various fields, including medicine, industry, and scientific research.