Structure 1.2.2—Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Experiments

Here are experiments our science specialists have selected to support this IB* topic.

Determining the Half-Life of an Isotope

Experiment #33 from Advanced Chemistry with Vernier

In this experiment, you will

Use an isogenerator to produce radioactive barium-137 for analysis.
Use a radiation counter to measure the decay of a sample of barium-137.
Calculate the decay constant and half-life of barium-137.

Educational Standard: International Baccalaureate (IB) 2025
Subject: Chemistry
Organizing concepts: Structure 1. Models of the particulate nature of matter
Subtopics: Structure 1.2—The nuclear atom
Level: Standard level and higher level

* The IB Diploma Program is an official program of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) which authorizes schools to offer it. The material available here has been developed independently of the IBO and is not endorsed by it.