Isotope

Version of an element with different neutron number

Same protons, different mass

Isotopes are versions of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Hydrogen, deuterium, and tritium are isotopes of hydrogen. Some isotopes are unstable and decay over time, releasing radiation; such radioactive isotopes are useful in biology for tracing molecules and dating materials.

← Back to the glossary

Get the full course

Quizzes, flashcards, progress tracking and 5 more modules — Genetics, Evolution, Cell Biology, Development and History of Science — in the Codon One app for iPhone & iPad.

Download on theApp Store