izotópoknál

Izotópoknál is a term that refers to isotopes. Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element which differ in neutron number, and consequently in nucleon number. All isotopes of a given element have the same number of protons in each atom. Since the number of protons determines the chemical element's identity, all isotopes of an element are the same element. The difference in neutron number affects the atomic mass, and can also influence nuclear stability.

For example, hydrogen has three common isotopes: protium (one proton, no neutrons), deuterium (one proton, one neutron), and tritium (one proton, two neutrons). Protium is the most abundant isotope of hydrogen. Deuterium is stable and has a slightly higher atomic mass than protium. Tritium is radioactive and decays into helium-3.

The concept of isotopes is crucial in various scientific fields. In nuclear physics, isotopes are studied for their radioactive properties, which are utilized in applications like medical imaging, cancer treatment, and radiometric dating. In chemistry, isotopes can be used as tracers to follow chemical reactions or to determine the origin of substances. The physical properties of isotopes, such as their mass and boiling point, can also differ slightly, leading to isotopic effects in chemical and physical processes. Understanding isotopes allows for a deeper comprehension of atomic structure and the behavior of elements.