General

Chemistry 1 11
General Chemistry 1 – Grade 11
Quarter 1 – Module 4: Atoms and Their Isotopes
First Edition, 2020

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 General
Chemistry 1 11
Quarter 1
Self-Learning Module 4
Atoms and Their Isotopes
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Chemistry 1 Self-Learning Module 4 on Atoms and Their

Isotopes

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and

independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims to
help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely:
Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while
taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body
of the module:

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing themto manage
their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners
as they do the tasks included in the module.
 For the Learner:

Welcome to the Chemistry 1 Self-Learning Module 4 on Atoms and Their

Isotopes

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities
for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning material while being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest – This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 EXPECTATIONS

The module is about atoms and their isotopes.After going through this
module, you are expected to:
1. demonstrate an understanding of atomic structure, and
2. recognize common isotopes and their uses

PRETEST

Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers in your notebook.

1. What isotope is used to locate brain tumors, monitor cardiac, liver, and thyroid
activities?
A. Se-75 B. Cf-252
C. Co-60 D. I-131

2. This isotope is used for oil well studies and in locating leaks in pipe lines.
A. Na-24 B. C-11
C. U-235 D. Sr-85

3. Which of the following emissions travels at the speed of light?

A. Gamma ray B. Beta particle
C. Alpha particle D. Antineutrino

4. Consider the radioactive-decay equation given below. What is the most likely
identity of X? 22
11Na → 22 10Ne + X

A. Alpha particle B. Beta particle

C. Positron particle D. Neutron

5. What sub-atomic particles are continuously moving around the nucleus?

A. p+ B. e-
C. n 0 D. ß+

RECAP

In your Junior High School Science, you have learned about the atom. Can you
still recall some of the concepts related to it? Trycompleting the following statements.
Write your answers in your notebook.
1. , proposed byJohn Dalton, can be used to explain the laws of chemical
change. This theory is based on the following set of postulates:
a. Elements are made up of very small particles known as .
b. All the atoms of an element are identical in mass and size, and are different
from the atoms of another element. Dalton used the different shapes or figures
to represent different elements.
c. are composed of atoms of more than one element, combined in
definite ratios with whole number values.
d. During a , atoms combine, separate, or rearrange. No atoms are
created and no atoms disappear.
2. Laws of chemical changes were inferred from several experiments conducted
during the 18th century using a balance for the measurements: It includes:
a. , which states that in a chemical reaction, no
change in mass takes place. The total mass of the products is equal to the
total mass of the reactant.

b. , which states that a compound always contains

the same constituent elements in a fixed or definite proportion by mass.

c. , which states thatif two elements can combine to

form more than one compound, the masses of one element that will combine
with a fixed mass of the other element are in a ratio of small whole numbers.

It is nice to know that you can still remember the lesson about atomic
theories.

LESSON

Source: Affairs Cloud Learn To Lead

Have you ever wondered how small is the corona virus (SARS-CoV-2),
responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic the whole world is experiencing now? What
could be smaller than this virus? Did you know that a molecule is even smaller than
the corona virus and an atom is even much smaller?

Studies show that the size of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona
Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ranges from 0.1 µm-0.3 µm (micrometer/micron) or
approximately 10-7 meter. It is relatively bigger than the Water molecule (H2O) at 10-
10 meter and a lot bigger than the Heliumatom (He) which is only 1 fm(femtometer) or

10-15 m.

The atom was believed to be the smallest particle comprising substances

during the time of John Dalton. However, before the end of the 19th century,
experiments provided proof of the existence of smaller particles within the atom. Do
you want to know what are those particles?

THE GENERAL STRUCTURE OF THE ATOM

During the early twentieth century, scientists discovered that atoms can be
divided into more basic particles. Their findings made it clear that atoms contain a
central portion called the nucleus. Inside the nucleus are the sub atomic particles known
as protonsand neutrons. Protons and neutrons are often called nucleons. Protons (p+)
are positively charged, and neutrons(n 0) are neutral. Whirling about the nucleus are
particles called electrons(e-)which are negatively charged. The electrons are relatively
small in mass. Take a look at this picture below for a size comparison.

Source: Study Blue A Chegg service

Now a natural question is whether electrons, protons, and neutrons are

themost fundamental particles. The answer is NO. These fundamental particles are
made of more fundamental particles called quarks. Butwe don't have to go that far
yet. Just be aware that such sub-fundamental particlesexist. The only fundamental
particles are electrons, protons, and neutrons. Did you know what information can
be derived from these sub atomic particles?

ATOMIC NUMBER vs. MASS NUMBER

The number of protons in an atom's nucleus denotes the atomic

number.While, the total number of protons and neutrons denotes the mass number.

Atomic number (Z) = number of protons (p+) = number of electrons (e-) in a

neutralatom
Mass number (A) = number of protons (p+) + number of neutrons (n0)

The figure below shows how to write the symbol of an atom together with its

atomic number and atomic mass.

 ISOTOPES

Some atoms have the same atomic number, but different mass numbers. This
means different number of neutrons. Such atoms are called isotopes. The existence of
isotopes was shown by mass spectroscopy experiments, wherein elements were found
to be composed of several types of atoms, each with different masses.Take a look at this
sample problem of determining the number of sub atomicparticles of isotopes of the
element Silicon.

SAMPLE PROBLEM 4.1:Determining the Number of Subatomic Particles in the

Isotopesof an Element

PROBLEM:Silicon(Si) is essential to the computer industry as a major component of

semiconductor chips.It has three naturally occurring isotopes: 28Si, 29Si, and 30Si.
Determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in each silicon isotope.

PLAN:We have to use the atomic number and atomic masses.

SOLUTION:The atomic number of silicon is 14. Therefore

28Si has 14p+, 14e- and 14n0 (28-14)

29Si has 14p+, 14e- and 15n0 (29-14)

30Si has 14p+, 14e- and 16n0 (30-14)

Try to do Activities 4.1 and Activity 4.2.

Did you get the correct answers?Great! Let us learn more about sub atomic
particles. Did you know that there are times where atoms are unstable? This is
because of the large ratio between neutrons and protons. So, how do unstable atoms
become stable? They undergo radioactive decay.

RADIOACTIVE DECAY

Radioactive decay is the process in which an unstable atomic nucleus

spontaneously loses energy by emitting ionizing particles and radiation. This
decayor loss of energy, results in an atom of one type, called the parent nuclide
transforming to an atom of a different type, called the daughter nuclide. Atoms with
unstable nuclei can undergo radioactive decay to become atoms which are more
stable than their parent atoms. In the process, different types of particles are
emitted.For example: a carbon-14 atom (the "parent") emits radiation and
transforms to a nitrogen-14 atom (the "daughter"). This is a random process on the
atomic level, in that it is impossible to predict when a given atom will decay, but
given a large number of similar atoms, the decay rate, on average, is predictable.

MODES OF RADIOACTIVE DECAY

Alpha emission (α) is a low-penetrating emission. It is actually helium nucleus and is

often represented as 4 2He. An example of radioactive decay of radium-226 is given
below:
226 88Ra → 222 86Rn + 4 2He

As you can see, the resulting atom has bothmass number and atomic number
changed. The atomic number decreases by 2, and the mass number decreases by 4.
Because of its very large mass (more than 7000 times the mass of the beta
particle) and its charge, it has a very short range. It is not suitable for radiation therapy
since its range is less than a tenth of a millimeter inside the body. Its main radiation
hazard comes when it is ingested into the body; it has great destructive power within its
short range. In contact with fast-growing membranes and living cells, it is positioned
for maximum damage.

Beta particles (ß-) are emissions having medium level penetration. They are fast
traveling electrons. As a result of beta emission, the resulting atom will have an
increase in the atomic number by 1. There is no change in the mass number. In
the process, there is also a proton formation from the neutron inside the nucleus,
along with the electron formation. In the following example, thorium-234 decays to
protactinium-234 by emitting a beta particle.

234 90Th → 234 91Pa + 0 -1e-

The high energy electrons have greater range of penetration than alpha
particles, but still much less than gamma rays. The radiation hazard from betas is
greatest if they are ingested. Beta emission is accompanied by the emission of an
electron antineutrino which shares the momentum and energy of the decay. The
emission of the electron's antiparticle, the positron, is also called beta decay. Beta
decay can be seen as the decay of one of the neutrons to a proton via the weak
interaction.

Positron emission (ß+) is the positive counterpart of an electron emission. A

positron has the exact mass of an electron, but has a positive charge. During this
event, a proton is converted to a neutron and a positron. The product of a positron
decay will have an atomic number less than that of the decayed atom by one unit.
There is no change in mass number.

Electron capture: As a result of electron capture, a proton is converted into a

neutron. The electron is usually captured from the innermost shell of the atom. The
atomic number of the product will be one less than that of the original atom. There
is no change in mass number.

Gamma (У) emissions or gamma rays, as they are commonly referred to, are highly
penetrating and dangerous emissions. They are high frequency electromagnetic rays.
Gamma rays travel at the speed of light. The resulting
product atom has the same atomic and mass numbers as those of the parent atom
from which the gamma rays are emitted. Gamma rays have no charge.

It is distinguished from x-rays only by the fact that it comes from the nucleus.
Most gamma rays are somewhat higher in energy than x-rays and therefore are very
penetrating. It is the most useful type of radiation for medical purposes, but at the
same time it is the most dangerous because of its ability to penetrate large
thicknesses of material.

APPLICATION

Isotopes are alternative “versions” of elements that have a different atomic mass
but the same atomic number. Scientists divide isotopes into two main types: radioactive
and stable. Both types have wide uses in several industries and fields of study.

STABLE ISOTOPES - have a stable proton-neutron combination and do not display

any sign of decay. This stability comes from the amount of neutrons present in an
atom. If an atom has too many or too few neutrons, it is unstable and tends to
disintegrate. Since stable isotopes do not decay, they do not produce radiation or
its associated health risks.

Scientists performing environmental and ecological experiments use stable

isotopes of oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen and carbon. For example, in
geochemistry, scientists study the chemical composition of geological materialssuch
as minerals and rocks.

RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES - have an unstable combination of protons and neutrons.

These isotopes decay, emitting radiation that includes alpha, beta and gamma rays.
Scientists classify radioactive isotopes according to their creation process: long-
lived, cosmogenic, anthropogenic and radiogenic. Long-lived radioactive isotopes
emerged during the creation of the solar system, while cosmogenic radioactive
isotopes occur as a reaction of the atmosphere to cosmic rays emitted by stars.
Anthropogenic isotopes come from human-made nuclear activities, such as weapons
testing and nuclear fuel production, while radiogenic isotopes are the end result of
radioactive decay.

The tables below show the applications of isotopes in different fields.

Radioactive Isotopes Applications to Medicine

Cobalt-60 Radiation therapy to prevent cancer
Iodine-131 Locate brain tumors, monitor cardiac, liver and thyroid activity
Carbon-14 Study metabolism changes for patients with diabetes, gout and
anemia
Carbon-11 Tagged onto glucose to monitor organs during a PET scan
Sodium-24 Study blood circulation
Thallium-201 Determine damage in the heart tissue, detection of tumors
Technetium-99 Imaging of organ and blood flow studies
Radioactive Isotopes Industrial Applications
Americium-241 For uniform thickness when rolling steel and paper, determine
location of oil wells
Sodium-24 Oil well studies and to locate leaks in pipelines
Iridium-192 Test integrity of boilers and aircraft parts
Uranium-235 Nuclear power plant and naval propulsion system fuel,
production of fluorescent glassware and colored wall tiles
Californium-235 Determine moisture content of soil- important for road
construction and building industries.
Radioactive Isotopes Applications in Research
Carbon-14 Carbon dating of organisms and substances (archeology),
research to determine steps involved in plant photosynthesis
Phosphorus-32 Used in research involving biology and genetics
Phosphorus-33
Selenium-75 Protein studies in life science
Strontium-85 Metabolism and bone formation studies
Hydogen-3/ Tritium Used to study life science and drug metabolism

ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY 1 ACTIVITY 2
Try to complete this table. Identify the Try to complete the information about
values of the 3 sub-atomic particles, the isotopesof hydrogen in this table.
atomic number, and mass number.

ACTIVITY 3
Write T if the statement is correct and F if otherwise. Write your answers in your
notebook.

1. During radioactive decay, the nucleus will emit particles of radiation in order to
become more stable.
2. If you wanted to block gamma radiation, paper or clothing can be used.
3. Radioactive isotopes have different mass numbers but the same atomic number
and will decay over time.
4. Cf-235 is used to determine moisture content of soil- important for road
construction and building industries.
5. An antineutrino has the exact mass of an electron, but has a positive charge.
 WRAP-UP
To summarize what you have learned, supply the answers that will complete the
sentences. Write them in your notebook.
1. An atom is said to be electrically because the number of protons is
equal to the number of electrons.
2. are atoms with the same atomic number but different atomic masses.
3. Given the atomic number and the mass number , we can calculate the number
of .
4. During decay, the atomic number will increase by 1 and the mass
number will remain unchanged.
5. The different modes of radioactive decay are , ,
, and .

VALUING

We have proven in this lesson that some things cannot be seen by our naked
eye like atoms, ions, and the virus of COVID-19. How can you protect yourself from
the harmful things than we cannot see? Give 3 ways in your notebook.

POSTTEST

Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answers in your notebook.
1. This isotope is used for metabolism and bone formation studies.
A. P-32 B. Sr-85 C. Na-24 D. Tl-201
2. What isotope is used to locate brain tumors and damaged heart cells?
A. I-131 B. C-11 C. Se-75 D. Tc-99
3. Radium-226 can undergo radioactive decay to form Radon-222. Which of the
following is the most likely type of particle that is emitted?
226 88Ra → 222 86Rn + 4 2He

A. Alpha B. Beta C. Gamma D. Positron

4. Which of the following is true regarding a typical atom?
A. The mass of n0 is much less than e-
B. n0 and e- have the same mass
C. n0plus p+make the nucleus electrically neutral
D. p+ are more massive than e-
5. All the following are true regarding radioactive rays, EXCEPT:
A. α-particles are positively-charged.
B. β-particles are negatively-charged.
C. У rays are electromagnetic waves and can be deflected by an electric field.
 D. There are radioactive emissions in which the mass number is not affected

REFERENCES
Academia. “Radioactivity, Radioactive decay and their series.” Accessed May 30,
2020.https://www.academia.edu/35360676/Radioactivity_Radioactive_decay_and_their_se
ries
Aryangat, Ajikumar.The MCAT Chemistry Book: A Comprehensive Review of General
Chemistry andOrganic Chemistry for the Medical College Admission Test. Los Angeles, CA:
Nova Press, 2006.
Patalinghug, Wynona C., Camacho, Vic Marie I., Sevilla III, Fortunato B., Singson, Maria
Cristina D., et. al.Teaching Guide for Senior High School General Chemistry 1. Commission
on Higher Education. Quezon City, 2016
Roque, Adolfo P.Senior High School Teacher Training Gr.11: General Chemistry 1.
Makati.PNU-CTD-FSTeM, May 2017.