Isotopes are variations of elements with the same number of protons but different neutrons, leading to diverse atomic masses and properties. Stable isotopes remain unchanged, while radioactive ones decay, emitting radiation and transforming into other elements. Understanding isotopes is crucial for applications in dating archaeological finds, medical imaging, cancer treatment, and nuclear energy. The concept of half-life is essential for gauging the decay rate of these isotopes.
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Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, resulting in varying atomic masses
Stable Isotopes
Stable isotopes do not change over time and do not emit radiation, and their stability is influenced by the ratio of neutrons to protons in the nucleus
Radioactive Isotopes
Radioactive isotopes are unstable and decay over time, releasing radiation as they transform into more stable forms
Isotopes can undergo different types of decay, such as beta decay, alpha decay, positron emission, and electron capture, to reach stability and form new elements or isotopes
Isotopes, such as carbon-14, are used in archaeology to determine the age of organic artifacts
Diagnostic Applications
Isotopes, like technetium-99m, are used in medical imaging for diagnostic purposes due to their short half-life and clear images
Therapeutic Applications
Isotopes, such as iodine-131 and cobalt-60, are used in the treatment of thyroid cancer and other types of cancer through radiotherapy
Non-Destructive Testing
Isotopes are used in non-destructive testing in industries to detect flaws or defects in materials
Energy Production
Isotopes, like uranium-238, are used in nuclear reactors to produce energy
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Atoms with the same number of protons but varying neutron counts are called ______.
isotopes
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Hydrogen has three ______: protium with 1 proton and 0 neutrons, deuterium with 1 proton and 1 neutron, and tritium with 1 proton and 2 neutrons.
isotopes
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Criteria for isotope stability
Stable isotopes have a neutron-to-proton ratio within the 'belt of stability'; outside this ratio, isotopes are often radioactive.
