LAB: ISOTOPES – BEANIUM
Purpose: To visualize and understand isotopes by investigating a new element, Beanium (Bn).
Materials: Three types of beans
Procedure:
1) Obtain a beaker of beanium.
2) Separate the beanium atoms into three groups representing different isotopes.
3) Count and record the number of beanium atoms in each isotope sample.
4) Using an electronic balance, determine the mass of each group.
Observations:
On a separate piece of paper record your observations. (2 marks)
Isotopes
Bna
Number of Bn
Atoms per
Isotope
Group Mass of
Bn Isotopes (g)
Calculations
Mass of One Atom
% Isotope by
of Bn
Number
Bnb
Bnc
Total
Calculations: (6 marks)
1) Show a sample calculation for the mass of one atom of Bn and % Isotope by number.
2) Calculate the average atomic mass of Beanium.
Discussion: (3 marks)
The different beans represent the different isotopes of the same element. Discuss the
differences between this model of isotopes and real isotopes.
Conclusion: (2 marks)
Summarize the findings in a concluding statement.
Lab Write-up
Purpose – Rewrite the Purpose
Materials – Refer to Handout
Procedure – Refer to Handout
Observations – Using a ruler, draw and complete observation table
Calculations – Show full solutions
Discussion – Answer in full sentences
Conclusion – Answer in full sentences