Stable isotope

Isotopes that are not radioactive are called stable. Stable isotopes of the same element have the same chemical characteristics and therefore behave almost identically. The mass differences, due to extra neutrons, result in partial separation of the light from heavy isotopes during chemical reactions (isotope fractionation). For example, the difference in mass between the two stable isotopes of hydrogen H-1 (1 proton, no neutron) and H-2 (also known as deuterium, 1 proton, 1 neutron) is almost 100%. Therefore, a significant fractionation will occur.

Related Topics:
Isotope - Radioactive - Deuterium

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Commonly analysed stable isotopes include oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and sulfur. These isotope systems have been under investigation for many years as they are relatively simple to measure. Recent advances in mass spectrometry (ie: muliple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) now enable the measurement of heavier stable isotopes, such as iron, copper, zinc, molybdenum, etc.

Related Topics:
Oxygen - Carbon - Nitrogen - Hydrogen - Sulfur - Mass spectrometry - Iron - Copper - Zinc - Molybdenum

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~