Ima

Definition :

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Examples

• Hydrogen isotopes:

  • Protium (no neutron)

  • Deuterium (1 neutron)

  • Tritium (2 neutrons)

• Oxygen isotopes:

  • Oxygen-16

  • Oxygen-17

  • Oxygen-18

Uses of Isotopes:

• In medicine – to find and treat diseases

• In science – for experiments

• In history – to find the age of old things

• In energy – used in nuclear power plants

Interesting Points:

• Some isotopes are stable and safe.

• Some isotopes are radioactive.

• Radioactive isotopes give out energy.

Main points:

1. Protium (¹H)

   • 1 proton, 0 neutrons

   • Stable

   • Most common hydrogen

2. Deuterium (²H or D)

   • 1 proton, 1 neutron

   • Stable

   • Used in heavy water and experiments

3. Tritium (³H or T)

   • 1 proton, 2 neutrons

   • Radioactive

   • Used in glowing lights and research

General Points:

• All isotopes have 1 proton (because they are hydrogen)

• Different neutrons → different mass

• Some isotopes are stable, some are radioactive

Fun fact:

Hydrogen isotopes are important in science, energy, and medicine!