Isotopes and RAM

Isotopes and RAM

1. ISOTOPES

   • Definition = Isotopes are different atomic forms of the same element, which have the SAME number of PROTONS but a DIFFERENT number of NEUTRONS
   • Example = Carbon 12 and Carbon 14
     • Carbon 12 has: 6 PROTONS, 6 ELECTRONS and 6 NUTRONS
     • Carbon 14 has: 6 PROTONS, 6 ELECTRONS and 8 NEUTRONS

2. RAM (RELATIVE ATOMIC MASS)

   • Uses the average mass of the isotope
   • Measure average using RELATIVE ABUNDANCE
     • Chlorine 35 is more common than Chlorine 37.
       • 75% chance of getting Chlorine 35 and 25% chance of getting Chlorine 37
   • Normally, RAM is just a simple number because not all elements are isotopes.

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