In this lab we used pennies as a model for atoms of the element that were isotopes. Explain why pennies are a good model for isotopes, you might want to include what is similar about the pennies and what differs.
Were there any problems using pennies as a model for isotopes? If so what was it?
Were there any problems using pennies as a model for isotopes? If so what was it?
The atomic mass of chlorine is 35.45 and there are two naturally occurring isotopes of chlorine: Cl-35 and Cl-37.
1) Explain why the atomic mass of Cl is 35.45 amu’s, in terms of relative abundance of the two isotopes of Cl.
2) Explain the difference between Cl-35 and Cl-37, make sure to mention what is the same in each atom, and also what is different in each atom.
3) The terms mass number and atomic mass are sometimes incorrectly used interchangeably (I do it also), what is the difference between the two terms. If you need a hint to get started, use the masses above from chlorine (35.45 amu vs 35 amu and 37 amu).
ENRICHMENT:
1. Research how a mass spectrometer is used to determine the relative abundances of the different isotopes of an element. A drawing or schematic is encouraged.
2. Find out how atoms of Uranium – 235 are removed from a natural sample of uranium in order to make “enriched” uranium for use in nuclear power plants and/or nuclear weapons.
3. The Iranians are currently trying to enrich uranium using the high speed centrifuge method. If you are really interested in reading some interesting computer espionage information go to news.google.com and search STUXNET. It is a computer virus that was written to disrupt the nuclear fuel enrichment, to prevent weapons grade uranium from being made.
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