Meaning & use
isotope
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Meanings
nouncountablechemistryphysicstechnical
One of two or more forms of the same chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei.
Grammar: Countable: one isotope, two isotopes.
Patterns
- isotope of an element
- radioactive isotope
- stable isotope
Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon.
Scientists use stable isotopes to study ancient diets.
The two isotopes of chlorine have different masses.
nouncountablechemistryphysicstechnical
A particular atomic form of an element, especially when used in labeling, dating, or medical applications.
Grammar: Often used with a modifier like 'radioactive' or 'stable'.
Patterns
- isotope labeling
- isotope analysis
- isotope ratio
Isotope analysis helped identify the source of the pollution.
The doctor used a radioactive isotope to image the bone.
Isotope labeling is a common technique in biochemistry.
Word forms
| plural | isotopes |
|---|
Common combinations
- radioactive isotope
- Radioactive isotopes are used in cancer treatment.
- stable isotope
- Stable isotopes do not decay over time.
- isotope ratio
- The isotope ratio can reveal the sample's origin.
- isotope of carbon
- Carbon-13 is a stable isotope of carbon.
- isotope labeling
- Isotope labeling allows researchers to track molecules in living cells.
Synonyms and how they differ
- nuclide
- A more general term for any atomic species; an isotope is a nuclide of a particular element.
- atomic variant
- A descriptive phrase, not a technical synonym; isotope is the standard term.
Word family
- isotopic adjective
- Relating to isotopes, as in 'isotopic composition'.
- isotopically adverb
- In terms of isotopes, as in 'isotopically labeled'.
Commonly confused: isotope or ion? isotope or isomer?
isotope vs ion
An ion is an atom with a net electric charge, while an isotope is an atom with a specific number of neutrons.
isotope vs isomer
Isomers are molecules with the same formula but different structures; isotopes are atoms of the same element with different masses.
Practice
Which statement about isotopes is correct?
Choose one answer.
Isotopes are defined by having the same number of protons (same element) but different numbers of neutrons. Option An and B are wrong because protons must be the same; option D is wrong because many isotopes are stable.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “isotope”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.