Isotopidega

Isotopidega, also known as isotopes, are variants of a particular chemical element which differ in neutron number. All isotopes of a given element have the same number of protons in each atom. The atomic number of the element is defined as the number of protons, and thus all isotopes of an element have the same atomic number. The term isotope is formed from the Greek roots isos (equal) and topos (place), indicating that isotopes are found in the same position on the periodic table.

Isotopes are characterized by their atomic mass number, which is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. For example, carbon-12, carbon-13, and carbon-14 are three isotopes of the element carbon with mass numbers 12, 13, and 14 respectively. The most common isotope of an element is referred to as the primordial isotope, while others may be produced through various natural or artificial processes.

Isotopes can be stable or unstable. Stable isotopes do not decay over time, while unstable isotopes are radioactive and undergo radioactive decay. The decay process can result in the emission of particles or electromagnetic radiation, transforming the isotope into a different element or another isotope of the same element.

Isotopes have various applications in science and technology. They are used in radiometric dating to determine the age of rocks and fossils, in medical imaging and treatment, and in nuclear power generation. The study of isotopes and their properties is a crucial aspect of nuclear physics and chemistry.