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PhET Isotope & Average Atomic Mass Lab

This document describes an isotope and average atomic mass simulation. It includes learning goals about defining isotopes using mass number, atomic number, and number of protons, neutrons and electrons. It also covers comparing and contrasting elements, atoms and isotopes, finding isotope names and masses given properties, and determining average atomic mass from isotope abundances. Students are asked to explore the simulation and demonstrate their understanding by answering questions that test their ability to apply the concepts.

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Robert Garcia
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2K views

PhET Isotope & Average Atomic Mass Lab

This document describes an isotope and average atomic mass simulation. It includes learning goals about defining isotopes using mass number, atomic number, and number of protons, neutrons and electrons. It also covers comparing and contrasting elements, atoms and isotopes, finding isotope names and masses given properties, and determining average atomic mass from isotope abundances. Students are asked to explore the simulation and demonstrate their understanding by answering questions that test their ability to apply the concepts.

Uploaded by

Robert Garcia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Isotope & Average ‌Atomic‌‌Mass‌‌ ‌Lab ‌

Learning Goals: Students will be able to:


A. Define “isotope” using mass number, atomic number, number of protons, neutrons and
electrons.
B. Compare and contrast: element, atom, isotope
C. Given the number of protons, neutrons and electrons, find the mass and name of an
isotope
D. Given the name of an element and the number of neutrons, find the mass of an isotope
E. Give evidence to support or dispute: “In nature, the chance of finding one isotope of an
element is the same for all elements.”
F. Find the average atomic mass of an element given the abundance and mass of its isotopes

Develop your understanding: Open the Isotopes screen, then explore to develop your own ideas
about “isotopes”.

Explain your understanding: Use your own words and captured images from the simulation to
show you can:
1. Define “isotope” using mass number, atomic number, number of protons, neutrons and
electrons.

Isotopes contains an equal amount of protons but different amount of neutrons, which
makes a difference in mass.

2. Compare and contrast: element, atom, isotope

Isotopes are atoms that have the same number of atom protons but different amounts of
neutrons. An ion is an atom that has gained or lost electrons, it has more or fewer
electrons than protons
3. Pick and report the number of protons, neutrons and electrons, find and report the mass
number and name of an isotope.

8 Protons Oxygen-16
8 Neutrons Mass number 16
8 Electrons

4. Select and report the name of an element and the number of neutrons, find & report the
mass number of your selected isotope

4 Protons Beryllium-9
5 neutrons Mass number 9
4 electrons

4. Click the Green Box symbols next to the words “Symbol” and “Abundance in
Nature” to open the tabs. Click on the Atomic Mass(amu) feature on the scale
What happens as you increase the number of neutrons? Keep at it until something
changes.

neutrons added there are the mass increases but if you add too many the mass changes

Develop your understanding: Explore the Mixtures screen to develop your ideas about isotope
mixtures are related to Average Atomic Mass. Make sure to explore both My Mix and
Nature’s Mix. Use the slider to add larger quantities.

Explain your understanding:

5. What are the differences between My Mix and Nature’s Mix? Include screen captures in
your explanation. Make sure to capture the entire screen.
a) For Lithium (Li)
In the my mix there is an equal amount of Lithium but in the natures mix there's more
Lithium-7

b) For Chlorine (Cl)


In the my mix there is an equal amount of Chlorine but in the natures mix there's more
Chlorine-35.
For Magnesium (Mg)

In the my mix there is an equal amount of Magnesium but in the natures mix there's
more Magnesium-24

c) For Sulfur (S)


In the my mix there is an equal amount of Sulfur but in the natures mix there's more
Sulfur-32

Test your understanding:

6. You and your friend, Bill, are given a rock that you know has some Silicon. You just learned that
there are 3 common isotopes of silicon- Silicon-28, Silicon-29, and Silicon-30. Bill suggests that
the rock might have equal parts of each isotope.
a. What would be the average mass of Silicon in the rock? Capture your screen from the sim
to show a solution that would support Bill’s idea. Make sure to capture the entire
screen.
b. How could you check to see if Bill’s ideas are correct? Include a screen capture.Make
sure to capture the entire screen.

8.

Your answer and explanation:

9.

Your answer and explanation:


10.

Your answer and explanation:

11.
Your answer and explanation:

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