Overview
Isotopes are fascinating variations of elements that play crucial roles in various scientific fields. They are defined by their differing neutron counts, which lead to different atomic masses. Understanding isotopes is essential for applications in medicine, archaeology, and energy production. For i...
Key Terms
Example: Carbon-12 and Carbon-14 are isotopes of carbon.
Example: Oxygen-16 is a stable isotope.
Example: Uranium-235 is a radioactive isotope.
Example: Archaeologists use radiocarbon dating to date ancient bones.
Example: Nuclear reactors use fission to generate electricity.
Example: Doctors use PET scans to detect cancer.
Related Topics
Nuclear Chemistry
The study of the chemical and physical properties of elements that undergo nuclear reactions.
advancedRadiation Safety
Understanding the safety measures and protocols when working with radioactive materials.
intermediateChemical Reactions
Exploring how isotopes can affect chemical reactions and their rates.
intermediateKey Concepts
Atomic structureRadioactive isotopesStable isotopesApplications in medicine