Bean Bag Isotope: Abundance and Atomic Mass Lab
BEAN BAG ISOTOPES:ABUNDANCE AND ATOMIC MASS LAB
Prelab
A new atomic theory, in which all atoms of the same element are identical to one another and equal in mass, was proposed by the scientist Dalton. Although the theory had its flaws and was simple, it was revolutionary. Scientists became able to study the actual structure and mass of atoms after the discovery of radioactivity. Soon, isotopes were discovered, as atoms of the same element which have been built up to have different masses.
Purpose
The purpose of this lab is to investigate the mass properties and relative abundance of isotopes for the “bean bag” element (symbol, Bg), and to calculate the atomic mass of this element.
Equipment and Materials
Balance centigram (0.01-g precision)
“Bean Bag” element, Symbol Bg, approximately 50 g
4x Weighing dishes or small cups
Marker or pen for labeling
Safety
Observe all normal laboratory safety guidelines.
The food-grade items that have been brought into the lab are considered laboratory chemicals and are for lab use only.
Do not taste or ingest any materials in the chemistry laboratory. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the laboratory
Prelab Questions
Neutrons were discovered in 1932, more than 10 years after the existence of isotopes was confirmed. What property of electrons and protons led to their discovery? Suggest a possible reason why neutrons were the last of the three classic subatomic particles to be discovered.
The property that led to the discovery of electrons and protons was their charges. Neutrons were the last of the three subatomic particles to be discovered because they have no charge and therefore it was harder and took larger for scientists to discover them.
Silicon occurs in nature in the form of three isotopes, Si-28, Si-29, and Si-30. Determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in each isotope of silicon.
Si-28 has 14 protons, 14 neutrons, and 14 electrons. Si-29 has 14 protons, 15
Prelab
A new atomic theory, in which all atoms of the same element are identical to one another and equal in mass, was proposed by the scientist Dalton. Although the theory had its flaws and was simple, it was revolutionary. Scientists became able to study the actual structure and mass of atoms after the discovery of radioactivity. Soon, isotopes were discovered, as atoms of the same element which have been built up to have different masses.
Purpose
The purpose of this lab is to investigate the mass properties and relative abundance of isotopes for the “bean bag” element (symbol, Bg), and to calculate the atomic mass of this element.
Equipment and Materials
Balance centigram (0.01-g precision)
“Bean Bag” element, Symbol Bg, approximately 50 g
4x Weighing dishes or small cups
Marker or pen for labeling
Safety
Observe all normal laboratory safety guidelines.
The food-grade items that have been brought into the lab are considered laboratory chemicals and are for lab use only.
Do not taste or ingest any materials in the chemistry laboratory. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the laboratory
Prelab Questions
Neutrons were discovered in 1932, more than 10 years after the existence of isotopes was confirmed. What property of electrons and protons led to their discovery? Suggest a possible reason why neutrons were the last of the three classic subatomic particles to be discovered.
The property that led to the discovery of electrons and protons was their charges. Neutrons were the last of the three subatomic particles to be discovered because they have no charge and therefore it was harder and took larger for scientists to discover them.
Silicon occurs in nature in the form of three isotopes, Si-28, Si-29, and Si-30. Determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in each isotope of silicon.
Si-28 has 14 protons, 14 neutrons, and 14 electrons. Si-29 has 14 protons, 15