what are the different uses of isotopes?

Answer 1

G'day Jhaz,

Thank you for your question.

An isotope is any of several different forms of an element each having different mass. Two isotopes of an element will have nuclei with the same number of protons (the same atomic number) but different numbers of neutrons. Therefore, isotopes have different mass numbers, which give the total number of nucleons—the number of protons plus neutrons. The word isotope, from Greek meaning at the same place, comes from the fact that all isotopes of an element are located at the same place on the periodic table.

A nuclide is any particular atomic nucleus with a specific atomic number Z and mass number A; it is equivalently an atomic nucleus with a specific number of protons and neutrons. Collectively, all the isotopes of all the elements form the set of nuclides. The distinction between the terms isotope and nuclide has somewhat blurred, and they are often used interchangeably. Isotope is best used when referring to several different nuclides of the same element; nuclide is more generic and is used when referencing only one nucleus or several nuclei of different elements. For example, it is more correct to say that an element such as fluorine consists of one stable nuclide rather than that it has one stable isotope.

In scientific nomenclature, isotopes and nuclides are specified by the name of the particular element, implicitly giving the atomic number, followed by a hyphen and the mass number (e.g. helium-3, carbon-12, carbon-14, iodine-131 and uranium-238). In symbolic form, the number of nucleons is denoted as a superscripted prefix to the chemical symbol (e.g. 3He, 12C, 14C, 131I and 238U).

Isotopes have a range of uses. These include:

* One of the most common applications is isotopic labeling, the use of unusual isotopes as tracers or markers in chemical reactions. Normally, atoms of a given element are indistinguishable from each other. However, by using isotopes of different masses, they can be distinguished by mass spectrometry or infrared spectroscopy (see "Properties"). If radioactive isotopes are used, they can be detected by the radiation they emit (this is radioisotopic labeling).

* A technique similar to radioisotopic labelling is radiometric dating: using the known half-life of an unstable element, one can calculate the amount of time that has elapsed since a known level of isotope existed. The most widely known example is radiocarbon dating used to determine the age of carbonaceous materials.

* Isotopic substitution can be used to determine the mechanism of a reaction via the kinetic isotope effect.

* Several forms of spectroscopy rely on the unique nuclear properties of specific isotopes. For example, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can be used only for isotopes with a nonzero nuclear spin. The most common isotopes used with NMR spectroscopy are 1H, 2D,15N, 13C, and 31P.

* Mössbauer spectroscopy also relies on the nuclear transitions of specific isotopes, such as 57Fe.

* Radionuclides also have important uses. Nuclear power and nuclear weapons development require relatively large quantities of specific isotopes. The process of isotope separation represents a significant technological challenge.

I attach sources for your reference.

Regards

Answer 2

Every single atom is an isotope, so your question really is, "What are the different uses of matter?"

All atoms of an element have the same number of protons and electrons. Isotopes differ by the number of neutrons. This number primarily affects the stability of the nucleus. For example, some isotopes of uranium are more suitable for nuclear fission because they are less stable and more easily split.

Answer 3

isotopes are similar to the basic element and can be used for the same purpose they have the same at no but a different at mass
isotopes of hydrogen
protium
deuterium
tritium

Answer 4

specify wich element's isotope

Answer 5

medical-----Co-60 is used to treat cancer patients(chemotherapy)
military-----for atomic and hydrogen bombs
tracing--for finding the presence of rare elements in earth's crust.
carbon dating-----for finding age of fossilised specimins
energy---- nuclear power plants

Answer 6

medical imaging, molecular biology, war.