What are isotopes and how do they differ?

Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei.

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons in their nuclei but a different number of neutrons. This means that isotopes have the same atomic number but different mass numbers. For example, carbon-12, carbon-13, and carbon-14 are all isotopes of carbon. Carbon-12 has 6 protons and 6 neutrons, carbon-13 has 6 protons and 7 neutrons, and carbon-14 has 6 protons and 8 neutrons.

Isotopes can have different physical and chemical properties due to their different masses. For example, carbon-14 is radioactive and is used in carbon dating to determine the age of fossils and archaeological artifacts. Carbon-13 is used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study the structure of organic molecules.

Isotopes are also used in medicine for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. For example, radioactive isotopes of iodine and technetium are used in medical imaging to diagnose and treat thyroid and bone diseases. Isotopes of cobalt and cesium are used in radiation therapy to treat cancer.

In summary, isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. They have different physical and chemical properties due to their different masses, and are used in a variety of applications in science and medicine.