Atoms of the same element always possess the same number of protons. However, atoms of the same element can have different numbers of neutrons. These specific atoms are known as isotopes. Unstable isotopes emit radioactive radiation and are widely utilised in medicine, agriculture, food technology, industry, and power generation.
Compare the structure of hydrogen isotopes and link each radioisotope to its field of application.
Isotopes are atoms of the same element having the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
Atoms of an element have the same number of protons and electrons, but some have different numbers of neutrons. The word isotope is derived from the Greek word ‘isos’ (meaning same) and ‘topos’ (meaning place), representing elements that occupy the same position in the Modern Periodic Table of Elements.
Isotopes are commonly written by their nucleon number. The nucleon number is the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of that atom:
\[\text{Nucleon number} = \text{Number of protons} + \text{Number of neutrons}\]
For example, an isotope of hydrogen with 1 proton and 2 neutrons is written as hydrogen-3.
Radioisotopes are unstable isotopes that emit radioactive radiation. Even though harmful, they have significant uses when handled correctly.
Gamma radiation from cobalt-60 is used to kill cancer cells in a radiotherapy machine. Sodium-24 and iodine-131 are also used in medicine.
Phosphorus-32 is injected into plant roots to study the rate of absorption of phosphorus fertiliser in plants. Carbon-14 is also studied in agriculture.
Gamma radiation from cobalt-60 is used to destroy microorganisms on vegetables without changing food quality.
Carbon-14 is used in archaeology and geology for carbon dating.
Americium-241 is used in the paper industry.
Uranium-235 is used in power generation.
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What is the definition of isotopes?
An atom has 10 protons, 10 neutrons, and 10 electrons. What is the nucleon number of that atom?
State one use of cobalt-60 in the medical field.
Isotopes are entirely different chemical elements because their nucleon numbers differ.
They belong to the very same element and have identical positions on the Periodic Table because they share identical proton numbers.
All radiation from radioisotopes is destructive and has no beneficial use.
When handled correctly and under controlled conditions, radioisotopes provide essential beneficial applications in radiotherapy, agriculture research, and food sterilisation.
1 What subatomic particle differs in quantity between isotopes of the same element?
2 Which radioisotope is injected into plant roots to study the rate of absorption of phosphorus fertiliser?
3 The nucleon number is calculated by adding the number of protons and the number of in the nucleus of an atom.
4 Gamma radiation emitted from is used to destroy microorganisms on vegetables without affecting food quality.
Drag each radioisotope to its corresponding application or field. On a phone, tap an answer first, then tap a matching box. Tap the Answer Choices area to return a selected item.
Write the correct radioisotope next to each application.
Answer choices: Cobalt-60 • Phosphorus-32 • Uranium-235 • Americium-241
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