Understanding Isotopes
* Isotopes are atoms of the same element (same number of protons) but have different numbers of neutrons.
* Atomic Number: The number of protons defines the element. In this case, 11 protons means the element is sodium (Na).
* Mass Number: The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons.
Possible Isotopes of Sodium (Na)
* Original Atom: This atom has a mass number of 24 (11 protons + 13 neutrons). We can represent it as Sodium-24 (²⁴Na)
* Other Possible Isotopes: Since the number of protons must remain the same for it to be sodium, the only thing that can change is the number of neutrons. Here are some examples:
* Sodium-22 (²²Na): This isotope has 11 protons and 11 neutrons.
* Sodium-23 (²³Na): This isotope has 11 protons and 12 neutrons.
* Sodium-25 (²⁵Na): This isotope has 11 protons and 14 neutrons.
* Sodium-26 (²⁶Na): This isotope has 11 protons and 15 neutrons.
Important Note: Not all isotopes are equally stable. Sodium-23 is the most common and stable isotope of sodium. Some isotopes, like Sodium-24 and Sodium-26, are radioactive.
