- Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons. Some isotopes are radioactive while others are non-radioactive.
- Radioactive isotopes can be useful in medical applications like cancer treatment and dating ancient remains, as well as industrial uses like leak detection. Their half-lives determine how long it takes for half of a sample to decay.
- Atoms gain and lose electrons to form ions, and ionic bonds form between oppositely charged ions. Ionic compounds have high melting points and are usually soluble in water.