Stable isotope: what it is and how it is used
Isotopes are types of atoms that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nucleus. There are two types of isotopes: stable and unstable (radioactive). In this article we will look at stable isotopes and their properties.
A stable isotope is an isotope that exists indefinitely and is not a source of ionizing radiation. It does not undergo radioactive decay and does not release excess energy in the form of radiation. This means that stable isotopes do not pose a risk to human health or the environment.
There are many stable isotopes such as carbon-12, oxygen-16, iron-56 and many others. They are widely used for scientific and industrial purposes. For example, stable carbon isotopes are used to determine the age of archaeological finds and geological samples. Oxygen-18 is used to study photosynthesis processes in plants and ocean waters. Iron-57 is used to study the properties of metals.
Stable isotopes are also widely used in medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. For example, the isotope xenon-129 is used to image the lungs using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Isotopes of silver-107 and gold-198 are also used to treat cancerous tumors.
In addition, stable isotopes are used in various industries such as oil, gas and nuclear industries. For example, isotopes of oxygen and carbon are used to determine the composition of gas mixtures, and isotopes of uranium are used to produce nuclear fuel.
In conclusion, stable isotopes are an important tool for scientific and industrial research. They are safe for the environment and humans, and their properties are widely used in medicine, industry and science.
Isotope. Stable.
A stable isotope is such in the sense that it has a half-life noticeably longer than the age of the Earth. Of all the alkali metals, the most stable is calcium. Its half-life is 162,253 years. Tantalum is also