How does adding neutrons to an atom change the atom?

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    Atom Change Neutrons
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of adding neutrons to an atom, specifically how this addition influences the atom's properties, such as mass and radioactivity. It also touches on related concepts like isotopes, ions, and ionization, framed within a context of academic inquiry and study assistance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that adding neutrons increases the mass of the nucleus and may lead to radioactivity, while the electron shell structure remains unchanged.
  • Questions are raised about the definitions of isotopes and ions, with a request for examples and explanations of ionization and atomic number determination.
  • One participant explains that isotopes of a chemical element have the same number of protons but differ in the number of neutrons, providing chlorine as an example with its two natural isotopes.
  • Another participant defines an ion as an atom that is not electrically neutral, having either lost or gained electrons, and describes the process of ionization.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and knowledge, with some agreeing on the definitions of isotopes and ions while others seek clarification. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications of adding neutrons to an atom.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about foundational concepts, indicating a potential gap in resources such as textbooks, which may limit their understanding of the discussed topics.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students studying atomic structure, isotopes, and related concepts in physics and chemistry, particularly those preparing for exams or seeking clarification on these topics.

innocentlittlegirl89
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How does adding neutrons to an atom change the atom?
 
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It doesn't really change the atom as a whole,it may make its nucleus more massive and possibly radioactive.The structure of the electron shells remains the same...

Off-topic:How old are you?

Daniel.
 
I'm almost 16, you? Umm... I have a couple more questions if you don't mind. I'm studying for finals and I totally don't understand physics. What is an isotope and an ion? An example. What is ionization and how is the atomic number of an atom determined?

Help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hannah o:)
 
Good thing you told me how old you are,i've had some rather embarassing moments talking to a HS kid and telling him very complicated matters from Quantum Physics...:rolleyes:

Do you have a textbook?You're asking about definitions and examples.Any normal book should have something like that.

Daniel.
 
I don't have a textbook. How old are you?
 
Why don't you have a textbook?
 
I lost it.
 
Thanks for the help. Good night.
 
innocentlittlegirl89 said:
I don't have a textbook. How old are you?

Then we got a problem.I can give you the definitions without any problem,but u'll have to promiss you'll do some further reading into it,okay...?Maybe a visit to the library,something needs to be done. :wink:

innocentlittlegirl89 said:
"What is an isotope and an ion? An example. What is ionization and how is the atomic number of an atom determined?"

A certain chemical element may have more than one isotopes,which means it can have more different types of nuclei,but all with the same electric charge (that is the same Z/atomic number).2 isotopes of the same chemical element differ only through their A/mass number,more precisely they have the same number of protons,but different number of neutrons.

Example:Chlorine has 2 natural isotopes:[itex]_{17}^{35} Cl \ ;_{17}^{37} Cl[/itex].As you can see,the number Z (of protons) is the same for both,17,while the mass number differs:the first has A=35,which means 35-17=18 neutrons,while the second has A=37,which means 37-17=20 neutrons.

An ion is an atom which is not electrically neutral.It either has lost or gained electrons.

THe Chlorine atom has 17 electrons.It can get an electron and with 17 protons and 18 electrons,it becomes a negative ion,with the net charge +17+(-18)=-1.

Ionization is the physical process through which an atom either loses or gains electrons (i.e.ionizes).

Daniel.
 
  • #11
innocentlittlegirl89 said:
I lost it.


Cant you afford a new one?
 

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