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Success Criteria:
I can identify and describe the three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons.
I can explain the arrangement of these particles within an atom, including the nucleus and electron shells.
I can distinguish between different elements based on their atomic number and mass number.
I can define what isotopes are and explain how they differ from one another in terms of neutrons.
Fun Fact
The element Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope used in dating ancient organic materials. It decays at a known rate, allowing scientists to determine the age of fossils and archaeological finds. This process, known as radiocarbon dating, has been instrumental in understanding human history, helping to date items up to about 50,000 years old!
Key terms
Atom: the basic unit of matter that consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in energy levels or shells
Atomic Number: The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, which determines the element's identity and its position on the periodic table.
Mass Number: The total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus, which reflects the atom's mass.
Isotope: Variants of a specific element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers.
Radioisotope: An unstable isotope that undergoes radioactive decay, emitting radiation in the form of alpha, beta, or gamma rays.
Learning Tasks
Chapter 6.1 questions p.156
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