Hizotópok

Hizotópok, also known as isotopes, are variants of a particular chemical element that differ in neutron number, and consequently in nucleon number, but not in proton number. All isotopes of a given element have the same number of protons in their nucleus, which defines their atomic number and therefore their chemical identity. The difference lies in the number of neutrons. For example, hydrogen has three naturally occurring isotopes: protium (one proton, zero neutrons), deuterium (one proton, one neutron), and tritium (one proton, two neutrons). Protium is the most common form of hydrogen.

The physical properties of isotopes of an element can differ, particularly their mass. This mass difference can lead to variations in their chemical behavior, although these differences are usually small. Isotopes are often designated by adding their mass number (the sum of protons and neutrons) to the element's name or symbol, such as Carbon-12 or C-12. Unstable isotopes are called radioisotopes and undergo radioactive decay. These radioisotopes have found applications in various fields, including medical imaging, carbon dating, and nuclear power generation. The study of isotopes, known as isotopic analysis, is crucial in many scientific disciplines, providing insights into geological processes, biological pathways, and the age of ancient artifacts.