1. Why do certain elements have isotopes? 2. What determines atomic mass?

3. Do electrons affect the isotope of an element?

The first-order reaction a→2b+c has rate constant 0.538 s−1. if the initial concentration of a is 0.867 mol l−1, what is the half-life of the reaction in seconds? remember to use correct significant figures in your answer (round your answer to the nearest hundredth). do not include units in your response.

One hazard of space travel is debris left by previous missions. there are several thousand masses large enough to detect by radar orbiting the earth, but there are far greater numbers of very small masses such as flakes of paint. calculate the force exerted by a 0.110 mg chip of paint that strikes a space shuttle window at a relative speed of 5.00 ✕ 103 m/s and sticks, given the collision lasts 6.00 ✕ 10-8 s. such a collision chipped the window of the ill-fated challenger in june 1983, causing $50,000 of damage.

Why is a noble gas different from other elements?