Isotopes are variants of a particular chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. They have nearly identical chemical properties but differ in atomic mass and physical properties.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons (atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons.
The atomic mass of an element listed on the periodic table is the weighted average of all its naturally occurring isotopes.
Some isotopes are stable, while others are radioactive and decay over time, emitting radiation.
Isotopic composition can help astronomers determine the age and origin of celestial objects by analyzing spectral lines.
In astronomy, isotopic analysis is crucial for understanding nucleosynthesis processes in stars.