What are isotopes?
The atomic number is a fundamental property of an element and its chemical identity. Some elements in nature have atoms with same atomic number but different mass number. Sach item off d sem element having different mass number are called as isotopes.
For example carbon has three isotopes namely c12 c13 c14 the mass number of isotope is represented here. The isotopes have same proton number but different neutron number.
Uses of isotopes:
Isotopes of some element are radia they are used in various field such as industry, agriculture, medicine, research field.
- Uranium 235 is used for nuclear fission and production of electricity.
- Iodine 131 is used in treatment of goitre, disease of thyroid gland.
- Some radioactive isotopes like Cobalt 60 are used in the medical treatment for fatal disease like cancer.
- Radioactive isotope are used for food preservation from microbes.
- Sodium 24 is a radioactive isotopes which is used for detection of cracks or leakages in the underground pipes.
- The radioactive isotope c14 is used for determining the age of archaeological objects.
The above mentioned points are the uses of isotopes.