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3 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is an isotope?
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Isotopes are the atoms of an element with different numbers of neutrons. They have the same number of protons, but different mass numbers. They always have the same atomic number.
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What is the mass number of an atom?
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The total number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus.
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What is an isotope called when the nucleus is unstable?
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-They are called radioactive isotopes or radioisotopes. -When a radioactive isotope decays, it forms a different atom with a different number of protons.
-They can split up or ‘decay’ and release radiation. |
