Izotókok

Izotókok are variants of a particular chemical element that share the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei but differ in the number of neutrons. This difference in neutron count means that isotopes of an element have the same atomic number but different mass numbers. The atomic number, which defines the element, is determined by the number of protons, while the mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons.

For example, hydrogen has three naturally occurring isotopes: protium, deuterium, and tritium. Protium, the most common isotope of hydrogen, has one proton and no neutrons. Deuterium has one proton and one neutron, giving it a mass number of two. Tritium has one proton and two neutrons, resulting in a mass number of three. All three isotopes of hydrogen have one proton, so they are all still hydrogen.

The physical properties of isotopes of an element can vary slightly due to their different masses, affecting properties like melting point, boiling point, and diffusion rates. However, their chemical properties are largely identical because chemical behavior is primarily determined by the number of electrons, which is equal to the number of protons in a neutral atom. Isotopes can be stable or unstable. Unstable isotopes, known as radioisotopes, undergo radioactive decay, emitting particles and energy as they transform into more stable forms. This radioactive decay is utilized in various applications, including medical imaging, carbon dating, and nuclear power generation.