Isotopes

Isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. They differ from each other in their mass. Isotopes of the same element have different chemical and physical properties yet remain chemically the same. Isotopes are used for a number of scientific applications such as medical imaging, carbon dating, and can be used as tracers to track the pathways of chemical substances. They are also used in research on the origins of life and the environment. Isotopes have many important applications in science, medicine, industry and agriculture.