Stable isotope

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Stable Isotope

A Stable isotope is a variant of a chemical element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons in its nucleus. Unlike radioactive isotopes, stable isotopes do not decay over time, hence the term "stable".

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Stable isotopes are characterized by their stability. They do not undergo radioactive decay and remain unchanged indefinitely. This stability is due to the balance of forces in the nucleus, including the strong nuclear force and the electromagnetic force.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Stable isotopes have a wide range of applications in various fields. In medicine, they are used in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy. In environmental science, they are used to track the movement of elements through ecosystems and to study climate change. In archaeology, they are used to determine the diet and migration patterns of ancient populations.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Stable isotope Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD