Isotoobid

Isotoobid (isotopes) are atoms of the same chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This difference changes their mass and many nuclear properties, while chemical behavior remains largely the same. Some isotopes are stable, while others are radioactive (radioisotopes) and decay over time according to characteristic half-lives.

Natural occurrence and production: Most elements have one or more stable isotopes. Radioactive isotopes occur naturally and can also be produced synthetically in nuclear reactors or particle accelerators. The relative abundance of isotopes in a sample is described by its isotopic composition and can be measured with techniques such as mass spectrometry.

Properties and dating: Varying the neutron number alters nuclear binding energy and stability, leading to differences in stability, half-life, and decay pathways. These variations provide tools for dating and tracing processes. Examples include radiocarbon dating, which uses carbon-14, and uranium-lead dating, which relies on uranium and its decay products.

Applications and safety: Isotopes have broad applications in medicine (diagnostic imaging with technetium-99m and positron emission tomography using fluorine-18; therapy with iodine-131), industry, environmental science, archaeology, and fundamental research. Handling radioactive isotopes requires safety protocols to manage radiation exposure and radioactive waste, along with regulatory oversight.