Question

Explain formula and application of isotope

Answer 1

Isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons but that have a different number of neutrons. Since the atomic number is equal to the number of protons and the atomic mass is the sum of protons and neutrons, we can also say that isotopes are elements with the same atomic number but different mass numbers.

Average atomic mass = f₁M₁ + f₂M₂ +… + f_nM_n where f is the fraction representing the natural abundance of the isotope and M is the mass number (weight) of the isotope.

Some isotopes have useful Applications because of their special properties such as:

(i) An isotope of uranium is used as a fuel in nuclear reactors.

(ii) An isotope of cobalt is used for treatment of Cancer.

(iii) An isotope of Iodine is used for treating Goitre.