Isotanalysis

Isotanalysis is a term used in analytical chemistry to describe the process of determining the isotopic composition of a sample. This involves measuring the relative abundance of different isotopes of a particular element. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different mass numbers.

The primary technique for isotanalysis is mass spectrometry. In this method, sample atoms are ionized, then accelerated through a magnetic or electric field. The path of an ion is influenced by its mass-to-charge ratio, allowing for the separation and detection of ions corresponding to different isotopes. Other techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can also provide isotopic information, particularly for lighter elements like hydrogen and carbon, by analyzing subtle differences in nuclear magnetic properties.

Isotanalysis has a wide range of applications. In geochemistry and geochronology, it is used to date rocks and understand Earth's history by analyzing the ratios of radioactive isotopes and their decay products. Environmental science employs isotanalysis to trace the movement of pollutants and understand biogeochemical cycles. In archaeology, it helps determine the origin of artifacts and study ancient diets. Furthermore, it is crucial in nuclear science for monitoring nuclear materials and in medical diagnostics for tracking the metabolic pathways of isotopes within the body. The precise quantification of isotopic ratios provides valuable insights into natural processes and human activities.