What is isotopes in chemistry

Isotopes are different types of elements that have the same number of protons but various numbers of neutrons in their atomic nuclei. They are known as isotopes in chemistry. As the number of protons determines the identity of an element, isotopes that share the same element but have different neutron counts have different atomic masses.

Because they have the same amount of protons and electrons, which govern an element's chemical behaviour, isotopes have comparable chemical characteristics. Yet, due to variances in atomic mass, isotopes may show minute differences in physical characteristics like density or boiling point.

The same chemical symbol as the element is used to indicate isotopes, but with a different mass number. For instance, the carbon isotopes carbon-12, carbon-13, and carbon-14 each have six protons but six, seven, or eight neutrons.
Stable isotopes and unstable isotopes, sometimes known as radioactive isotopes, are two different types of isotopes. The spontaneous decay of radioactive isotopes causes them to release radiation and change over time into other elements.

In many areas of chemistry, including radiometric dating, isotopic labelling, nuclear chemistry, and environmental research, the study of isotopes is essential. Isotopes offer important insights into the behaviour of elements, assist in dating objects, act as tracers in chemical reactions, and help us comprehend how nature works.