Question

Define isotopes. What are the essential characteristics of isotopes? Give important applications of isotopes.

Answer 1

Isotopes:

1. Elements having the same atomic number but the different mass numbers are isotopes of each other.
2. Both forms of the element have the same number of protons.
3. Number of neutrons is different in isotopes

Example:

${}_7{}^{14}\mathrm{N}\mathrm{and}{}_7{}^{15}\mathrm{N}.$

Characteristics of Isotopes:

1. Isotopes are atoms of the same element.
2. They have the same chemical and physical properties.
3. They have the equal number of protons.
4. They have the equal number of electrons.

Applications of Isotopes:

1. Cobalt-60 is an isotope of cobalt that is used in radiation therapy to prevent cancer.
2. Thallium-201 is helpful in the detection of tumors.
3. Sodium-24 is helpful in the study of blood circulation.