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Physics POGIL: Atomic Nuclei In this POGIL we will learn how to interpret the symbols we use for describing

atomic nuclei and the units of measurement we use for their masses. You should have a periodic table handy as you go through the exercises. Symbols of Atomic Nuclei Atomic nuclei contain positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. The masses of protons and neutrons are 1.67261027 kg and 1.67491027 kg, respectively. These particles as a group are referred to as nucleons because they comprise the nucleus. The following examples demonstrate how the symbols of atomic nuclei indicate the number of protons, neutrons, and nucleons in an atomic nucleus.

12 13 12

C C C

A carbon nucleus with 6 protons and 6 neutrons for a total of 12 nucleons A carbon nucleus with 6 protons and 7 neutrons for a total of 13 nucleons A carbon nucleus with 6 protons and 8 neutrons for a total of 14 nucleons

The atomic nuclei above are called isotopes of each other. The following atomic nuclei are also considered isotopes of each other.

22 23 24

Na Na Na

A sodium nucleus with 11 protons and 11 neutrons for a total of 22 nucleons. A sodium nucleus with 11 protons and 12 neutrons for a total of 23 nucleons A sodium nucleus with 11 protons and 13 neutrons for a total of 24 nucleons

1. Fill in the missing information in the chart below. Nuclear Symbol Element Name Number of Nucleons Number of Protons Number of Neutrons

14

N 15 N 35 Cl 36 Cl 223 Ra 226 Ra
2. Which of the nuclei in the chart above are isotopes of each other?

Physics 3. Fill in the missing information in the chart below. Nuclear Symbol Element Name Number of Protons 90 143 55 Plutonium 56 Uranium 4. Which of the nuclei in the chart above are isotopes of each other? 77 146 79 244 Number of Neutrons Number of Nucleons 235 235

5. What differentiates isotopes from each other?

6. What do isotopes have in common with each other?

7. Isotopes have the same chemical properties as each other. Why is this?

8. Why do isotopes have slightly different masses?

Problems 9. Write the nuclear symbol for the resulting nucleus when (a) 238U loses two protons and two neutrons (b) (c) (d) (e)
137

Cs changes one of its neutrons to a proton Am loses two protons and two neutrons

241

22

Na changes one of its protons to a neutron K changes one of its neutrons to a proton

40

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