Atoms have different isotopes based on the number of neutrons they possess from "summary" of Atoms Under the Floorboards by Chris Woodford
Isotopes are variations of atoms that have different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. Neutrons are one of the three main particles that make up an atom, along with protons and electrons. Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus of an atom, while electrons orbit around the nucleus. The number of protons in an atom determines its atomic number, which in turn determines the element to which the atom belongs. Isotopes of an element have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. For example, carbon atoms always have six protons, but they can have different numbers of neutrons. Carbon-12 is the most common isotope of carbon, with six protons and six neutrons. However, there is also carbon-13, with six protons and seven neutrons, and carbon-14, with six protons and eight neutrons. The presence of different isotopes of an element does not change its chemical properties, as those are determined by the number of protons in the nucleus. However, isotopes can have different physical properties, such as stability and radioactivity. Some isotopes are stable and do not decay over time, while others are radioactive and decay into other elements through the emission of particles and energy. Isotopes are commonly used in various fields, including medicine, industry, and environmental science. For example, radioactive isotopes are used in medical imaging and cancer treatment, while stable isotopes are used in dating archaeological artifacts and studying geological processes. By understanding the concept of isotopes and their different properties, scientists can unlock a wealth of information about the natural world and the universe.
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