isotope (redirected from Isotopes)

isotope /iso·tope/ (i´so-tōp) a chemical element having the same atomic number as another (i.e., the same number of nuclear protons), but having a different atomic mass (i.e., a different number of nuclear neutrons).

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i·so·tope (s-tp)

n.

One of two or more atoms having the same atomic number but different mass numbers.

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iso·topic (-tpk) adj.

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Isotope

An unstable form of an element that gives off radiation to become stable. Elements are characterized by the number of electrons around each atom. One electron's negative charge balances the positive charge of each proton in the nucleus. To keep all those positive charges in the nucleus from repelling each other (like the same poles of magnets), neutrons are added. Only certain numbers of neutrons work. Other numbers cannot hold the nucleus together, so it splits apart, giving off ionizing radiation. Sometimes one of the split products is not stable either, so another split takes place. The process is called radioactivity.

Mentioned in: Meckel's Diverticulum, Radiation Injuries

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isotope

[ī′sətōp]

Etymology: Gk, isos + topos, place

one of two or more forms of an atom having the same number of protons in the atomic nucleus but different numbers of neutrons and thus a different atomic mass. For example, two common isotopes of carbon are ¹²C, which has six neutrons, and ¹⁴C, which has eight. Many isotopes are used in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

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isotope (ī´sōtōp),

n one of several nuclides having the same number of protons in their nuclei, and hence having the same atomic number but differing in the number of neutrons, and therefore in the mass number. The isotopes of a particular element have virtually identical chemical properties.

isotope, stable,

n a nonradioactive isotope of an element.

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isotope

a chemical element having the same atomic number as another (i.e. the same number of nuclear protons), but having a different atomic mass (i.e. a different number of nuclear neutrons).

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radioactive isotope

one having an unstable nucleus and which emits characteristic radiation during its decay to a stable form. See also radioisotope.

stable isotope

one that does not transmute into another element with emission of corpuscular or electromagnetic radiations.