Isotopes
| Formula / Notation | ᴬ_Z X (same Z, different N) |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Isotope variants, nuclear isotopes, stable and radioactive isotopes |
What is Isotopes?
Variants of an element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. While isotopes of an element behave almost identically chemically, their different masses mean they can be separated by physical methods such as mass spectrometry or centrifugation.
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: Isotope variants, nuclear isotopes, stable and radioactive 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
Variants of an element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. While isotopes of an element behave almost identically chemically, their different masses mean they can be separated by physical methods such as mass spectrometry or centrifugation.
Stable isotope ratio analysis (¹⁸O/¹⁶O, ¹³C/¹²C, D/H) is used in: food authenticity testing, climate reconstruction from ice cores and tree rings, archaeology (strontium isotope migration studies), geochemistry, and forensic science. Deuterium-labelled compounds (²H, D) are used in NMR solvents and …
Enriched stable isotopes are not radioactive (safe to handle chemically). Radioactive isotopes (see id 528) require radiation safety. Isotopically pure materials (e.g., enriched ²³⁵U, ²³⁹Pu) used in nuclear applications require both radiological safety and nuclear security measures.
The formula or notation for Isotopes is: ᴬ_Z X (same Z, different N)