Isotopes & Atomic Mass-Inquiry Activity A gold star indicates high-quality, inquiry-based activities that follow the PhET design guidelines.





Title Isotopes & Atomic Mass-Inquiry Activity
Description This is an inquiry lesson meant to follow Build an Atom activity. Learning Goals: Students will be able to: A.Define “isotope” using mass number, atomic number, number of protons, neutrons and electrons. B.Compare and contrast: element, atom, isotope C.Given the number of protons, neutrons and electrons, find the mass and name of an isotope D.Given the name of an element and the number of neutrons, find the mass of an isotope E.Give evidence to support or dispute: “In nature, the chance of finding one isotope of an element is the same for all elements.” F.Find the average atomic mass of an element given the abundance and mass of its isotopes
Subject Chemistry, Earth Science
Level High School, Undergrad - Intro
Type Demonstration, Homework, Lab, Remote Learning
Answers Included No
Language English
Keywords average mass, electron, isotope, nature, neutron, phet, proton, remote
Simulation(s) Isotopes and Atomic Mass (HTML5), Isotopes and Atomic Mass


Author(s) Trish Loeblein
Contact Email patricia.loeblein@colorado.edu
School / Organization PhET
Date submitted 6/5/11
Date updated 4/6/20