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Isotope Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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isotope

[ˈaɪ.sə.toʊp ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemistry term

An isotope is a variant of a chemical element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons in its atomic nucleus. This difference in neutron count results in varying atomic masses. Isotopes can be stable or unstable; unstable isotopes are radioactive and can decay over time, releasing radiation. The study of isotopes has important applications in fields such as medicine, archaeology, and environmental science.

Synonyms

form, nuclide, variant.

Examples of usage

  • Carbon-14 is a well-known isotope used for dating organic materials.
  • In medical imaging, isotopes are used as tracers to visualize processes in the body.
  • Natural water contains hydrogen isotopes known as deuterium and tritium.
  • Isotopes can help scientists understand processes that happened in the past.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Science

  • Some isotopes are stable, meaning they don't change over time, while others are unstable and can decay into different elements.
  • Carbon-14 is a well-known radioactive isotope used in dating ancient artifacts and fossils, helping scientists understand history.

Pop Culture

  • Isotopes are featured in the popular TV show 'Breaking Bad', where chemistry plays a key role in the storyline.
  • The concept of isotopes appears in the video game franchise 'Fallout', where players must understand elements and their mutations.

Literature

  • In science fiction, isotopes are often used to explore themes of evolution and mutation, creating new forms of life or energy.
  • Authors like Isaac Asimov have incorporated concepts of isotopes into their narratives to explain futuristic technologies.

Psychology

  • The study of isotopes can reflect our understanding of complexity, showing how there can be different versions (or 'flavors') of the same idea or person.
  • People often find it easier to grasp abstract concepts like isotopes when analogies are used, linking them to everyday experiences.

Origin of 'isotope'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek words 'isos' (equal) and 'topos' (place), reflecting how they share the same place on the periodic table.
  • It was first introduced in 1913 by Frederick Soddy, who studied the chemical properties of different atomic forms.

The term 'isotope' comes from the Greek words 'isos', meaning 'equal', and 'topos', meaning 'place'. It was first coined in the early 20th century by the British chemist Frederick Soddy in 1913. Soddy's work on radioactivity and the relationships between isotopes laid the groundwork for modern nuclear chemistry. The concept of isotopes challenged existing notions about elements, demonstrating that elements could have multiple forms with distinct nuclear properties while remaining chemically identical. This discovery has had profound implications across various scientific fields, leading to advancements in medicine, energy, and even archaeology.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,850 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.