Question

part 4 - concept check & reflection (10 - 15 min)
answer in complete sentences:

1. what determines the identity of an atom?

1. what determines the charge of an ion?

1. what determines whether two atoms are isotopes of each other?

1. how might an isotope be useful in medicine or research?

1. reflect: which part of this activity helped you visualize atoms best?

optional extension (extra credit +10 points)
use colored beads or candy to physically build your atom, ions, and isotopes - label a photo and submit it with your assignment.

Explanation:

1. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines its identity. Each element has a unique number of protons.
2. The charge of an ion is determined by the difference between the number of protons (positive charge) and electrons (negative charge). If there are more electrons than protons, the ion is negatively charged; if there are more protons than electrons, the ion is positively charged.
3. Two atoms are isotopes of each other if they have the same number of protons (same element) but different numbers of neutrons.
4. Isotopes can be useful in medicine (e.g., radioactive isotopes for imaging like PET scans) or research (e.g., as tracers to study chemical reactions).
5. This is a personal reflection. For example, if building a model with beads helped visualize the structure of atoms, ions, and isotopes, that part would be the answer.

Answer:

1. The number of protons in the nucleus determines the identity of an atom.
2. The charge of an ion is determined by the difference between the number of protons and electrons.
3. Two atoms are isotopes if they have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
4. Isotopes can be used in medicine (e.g., for imaging) or research (e.g., as

tracers).

1. [Personal response based on the activity, e.g., "Building the atom model with beads helped me visualize atoms best."]