What is the isotopic composition of an element?

Answer 1

The identity of an element is determined by the number of PROTONS it contains in its nucleus. Nuclei of the same element may, however contain different number of NEUTRONS.

You are aware that the atomic nucleus is made up of a specific quantity of massive positively charged particles called protons and massive negatively charged particles called neutrons.

The number of positively charged particles gives the identity of the nucleus; this is #Z#, the atomic number. #Z=1#, hydrogen; #Z=2#, helium; #Z=6#, carbon; #Z=79#, gold.
Take carbon as an exemplar. Most carbon nuclei (and ALL contain 6 PROTONS in their nuclei, WHY?) have 6 neutrons in their nuclei as well. A mole (a large number) of #""^12C# nuclei would thus have a mass of #12.00# #g# precisely. But some carbon nuclei have 7 neutrons in their nucleus (#""^13C#), a smaller few have 8 neutrons (#""^14C#) in their nucleus. These are still carbon nuclei, by definition, because #Z# #=# #6# still and have identical chemistry, but they necessarily have different masses because of the different number of neutrons. The weighted average of the masses (the mass multiplied by the isotopic abundances) sums to #12.011# #g#; this is the number you see on the Periodic Table, and the number you use when you calculate the molecular mass of an organic molecule.

Larger atoms can support varying numbers of isotopes; actinides and lanthanides are rich in isotope diversity, some of which could be employed in nuclear reactions.

Please feel free to ask any more questions or voice any objections, and someone will do their best to resolve the issue.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email
Answer 2

The relative abundance of an element's isotopes—atoms of the same element with varying numbers of neutrons in their nuclei—is referred to as the element's isotopic composition.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email
Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.

Not the question you need?

Drag image here or click to upload

Or press Ctrl + V to paste
Answer Background
HIX Tutor
Solve ANY homework problem with a smart AI
  • 98% accuracy study help
  • Covers math, physics, chemistry, biology, and more
  • Step-by-step, in-depth guides
  • Readily available 24/7