An isotope is an element that has a different amount of neutrons than its standard atomic mass. Some isotopes can be relatively unstable, and thus they can give off radiation as the atom decays. Neutrons are particles with a neutral charge that are found in an atom's nucleus alongside protons. Neutrons help give the atom its mass and structure; on the periodic table of elements, the atomic mass number is the sum of the protons and neutrons.
Find out how many neutrons the given atom of the element has. This information likely will need to be given; the ability to examine an individual atom is extremely difficult and costly.
Look up at the atom on the periodic table of elements and find out what its atomic mass is.
Subtract the number of protons from the atomic mass. This is the number of neutrons that the regular version of the atom has. If the number of neutrons in the given atom is different, than it is an isotope.
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About the Author
Drew Lichtenstein started writing in 2008. His articles have appeared in the collegiate newspaper "The Red and Black." He holds a Master of Arts in comparative literature from the University of Georgia.