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Well the term "isotopes" refers to atoms of an element that have the same quantity of protons but differ in the number of neutrons they possess. Isotopes of an element all have the same chemical behavior, but the unstable isotopes undergo spontaneous decay during which they emit radiation and achieve a stable state. This property of radioisotopes is useful in food preservation, archaeological dating of artifacts and medical diagnosis and treatment.
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∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 16y agoThis is a loaded question. Hopefully the answer here will be added to as time goes by. Here are the basics:
Atoms of any element have a certain number of Protons (positive charges, written as p+). The number of Protons determines the "atomic number" of that element.
Protons are coupled with Neutrons (neutral charges, written as n0) in the nucleus (center of the atom where most of the atom's mass is concentrated). Those basic particles in the nucleus are known as Nucleons.
Atoms of any element have the same number of Protons, but the number of Neutrons may vary. Atoms of the same element - but with differing #s of neutrons are known as ISOTOPES.
EXAMPLE:
For instance, the element Carbon has an atomic number (the number of Protons) of 6. But Carbon atoms can exist as different ISOTOPES - atoms with different #s of neutrons.
Carbon can have an equal amount of Neutrons as there are Protons (for a total of 12). We'd call that Carbon-12. What if there were more neutrons? Say 2 more? We'd call that Carbon-14. The number written after the element indicates (roughly) a total count of the protons and neutrons found in the nucleus. This number is known as the Atomic Mass number.
On the Periodic Table of Elements, each element has one atomic mass number printed. If the mass number changes for different ISOTOPES, why is there just one number? This is because that number on the chart is a "weighted average" of all known isotopes (forms of atoms of that element).
When you think ISOTOPE, think "Same element, different number of Neutrons".
And FYI: Changing the # of neutrons changes the atomic mass, but it does really nothing to the "charge" of the atom. Atoms are (basically) electrically neutral.
Anyone else care to comment?
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∙ 9y agoRadioactive isotopes are one in which the nucleus decays spontaneously, giving off particles and energy. They are important because they can help biologists date fossils and past life or tracers to follow atoms through metabolism.
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∙ 13y agoRadioactive isotopes are important experimentally because they behave identically to the nonradioactive element, yet they can be detected by various means through radioactive decay. So they can be incorporated into biochemicals and used as metabolic tracers. This is how many biochemical pathways were delineated. Common isotopes used in biochemistry are 32P, 14C, 3H 35S.
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∙ 11y agoGeologists can determine the ages of rocks and fossils by analyzing the isotopes found in them
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∙ 12y agoin nuclear reactions isotopes are very important.
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∙ 12y agoWithout ions and isotopes different elements wouldn't exist and bonds wouldn't be able to occur.
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∙ 11y ago- tracers
- PET scans
- etc.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoEm not sure about my answer but all what i know is that they are very main in our life, used in our daily life
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The various atomic weights of the same element are called?
Atoms of the same element with different atomic masses are known as isotopes. Isotopes differ only by the number of neutrons present in the nucleus of the isotopes. The number of protons is the same for all isotopes of an element (because if there were different numbers of protons, then the atoms would not be of the same element).
What is meant by half life of radioactive isotopes?
This is the time in which half the the atoms was disintegrated.
Gold-184 and gold-186 are different of gold?
Gold-184 & Gold-186 are both the element of gold. However, they are different isotopes. The definition of isotopes is that they have a different number of neutrons in the nucleus. Both isotopes of gold have the same number of protons and the same number of electrons. Because they have the same number of protons, the element remains as gold.
Is there any isotopes in phosphorus?
Yes, the most stable isotopes are 31P, 32P, and 33P. 31P is stable with 16 neutrons. 32P has a half-life of 14.28 days with 17 neutrons. 33P has a half-life of 25.3 days with 18 neutrons.
How many half-lives would be necessary for a sample of parent isotopes to decay to the point that only one-half of the sample is composed of parent isotopes?
One half life.
In which fields is geometry used in daily life?
it is used various fields such as home decoraters, engeneering etc.
The various atomic weights of the same element are called?
Atoms of the same element with different atomic masses are known as isotopes. Isotopes differ only by the number of neutrons present in the nucleus of the isotopes. The number of protons is the same for all isotopes of an element (because if there were different numbers of protons, then the atoms would not be of the same element).
What is the important of computers?
computers have become an integral part of modern life, impacting nearly every aspect of society and contributing to advancements in various fields. Their importance continues to grow as technology evolves and becomes more integrated into our daily lives.
Importance of communication in human life?
communication is very important in human life to express feelings ,and for the development of human in all fields to make our life better and happy communication is important
What is the uses of isotopes in your daily life?
isotopes is a type of i guess calorie like things you need 4 grams of IT (isotopes) every day
Importance of mathematics for students?
It has applications in many fields, as well as being linked to increased learning and understanding in general. It also has multiple uses in everyday life.
What element has 2 isotopes that's solid and is the basic unit of all life?
Carbon is the basic building block of life, but I'm not sure about the isotopes.
Why is it necessary to learn to specialized terms?
to be able to understand different areas of life
Do isotopes determine the size or age of a rock?
age... parent and daughter isotopes in relation to half life
Who describes an isotopes half life?
Half-life is described in time units.
Application of mathematics in various fields of life?
Mathematics expresses itself everywhere,in almost every facet of life-in nature all around us,and in the technologies in our hands.Mathematics is the language of science and engineering.
What is the Importance of business in your daily life?
importance of business in our daily life
