Atomic Structure
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What is an isotope?
Atoms of the same element with the same amount of protons but with different amount of neutrons. They have similar chemical properties but differing physical properties.
Uses of radioactive isotopes:
• Medical use: to cure cancer via Y or B radiation (e.g. CO-60) • Industrial use: checking for leaks. Radioisotopes (tracers) are added to oil/gas, and at leaks, radiation is detected using a Geiger counter. • Measuring the thickness of sheets, etc. • U-235 is used to generate electricity as a fuel in nuclear reactors.
Structure of an atomic symbol (like in the Periodic Table):
The abbreviation of the element is in regular font, while the atomic mass (neutron count) is in superscript and the atomic number (proton/electron count) is in subscript.