Here's a breakdown:
* Element: A pure substance consisting of only one type of atom. All atoms of a given element have the same number of protons (defining the element's atomic number).
* Atomic mass: The total mass of an atom, primarily determined by the number of protons and neutrons in its nucleus.
* Isotopes: Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This difference in neutrons results in a different atomic mass.
For example:
* Carbon-12 and Carbon-14 are both isotopes of carbon.
* Both have 6 protons (defining them as carbon).
* Carbon-12 has 6 neutrons, while Carbon-14 has 8 neutrons.
* This makes the atomic mass of Carbon-12 12, and the atomic mass of Carbon-14 14.
Isotopes have different physical properties, such as radioactive decay, and can be used in various applications like:
* Radioactive dating (Carbon-14 dating)
* Medical imaging (technetium-99m)
* Cancer treatment (cobalt-60)
Let me know if you have any more questions!
