Isotope
| Formula / Notation | ᴬ_Z X; e.g., ¹²C, ¹³C, ¹⁴C |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Isotopes, nuclides (specific nuclear composition), radioisotopes, stable isotopes |
What is Isotope?
Atoms of the same element (same atomic number) that have different numbers of neutrons and thus different mass numbers. Isotopes of an element have nearly identical chemical properties but different physical properties. Some isotopes are radioactive (radioisotopes).
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: Isotopes, nuclides (specific nuclear composition), radioisotopes, stable isotopes
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Atoms of the same element (same atomic number) that have different numbers of neutrons and thus different mass numbers. Isotopes of an element have nearly identical chemical properties but different physical properties. Some isotopes are radioactive (radioisotopes).
Isotopes are used in: isotopic labelling (tracing reaction mechanisms, metabolic pathways), radiometric dating (¹⁴C for archaeology, ²³⁸U for geology), nuclear medicine (¹⁸F-PET, ⁹⁹ᵐTc scintigraphy), nuclear power (²³⁵U, ²³⁹Pu as fissile fuels), industrial gauging (β-emitting thickness gauges), and …
Radioactive isotopes require radiation safety protocols (shielding, dosimetry, contamination control). Half-life determines the decay hazard duration. Long-lived radioisotopes (²³⁸U: 4.5 billion years; ¹³⁷Cs: 30 years) present long-term environmental and waste management challenges.
The formula or notation for Isotope is: ᴬ_Z X; e.g., ¹²C, ¹³C, ¹⁴C