atómtegundum

Átómtegundir, often translated as atomic species or isotopes, refers to variations of a particular chemical element. All atoms of a given element share the same number of protons in their nucleus, which defines their atomic number. However, átómtegundir of an element differ in the number of neutrons in their nucleus. This variation in neutron count leads to different mass numbers for the atoms.

For example, hydrogen (H) has three common átómtegundir: protium (¹H), deuterium (²H), and tritium (³H). All three have one proton. Protium has zero neutrons, deuterium has one neutron, and tritium has two neutrons. While their atomic numbers are the same, their mass numbers differ.

These differences in neutron count can significantly impact the physical properties of the átómtegundir, most notably their mass and nuclear stability. Some átómtegundir are stable, meaning they do not spontaneously decay. Others are radioactive, undergoing radioactive decay to transform into different elements or isotopes over time. The study of átómtegundir is crucial in fields such as nuclear physics, chemistry, and geology, particularly in applications like radiocarbon dating and nuclear energy.