ISOTOPICALLY Meaning and
Definition
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Isotopically refers to a term used to describe the characteristics or properties of isotopes. Isotopes are variants of an element that have the same number of protons but differ in the number of neutrons in their atomic nuclei. This variation in the number of neutrons leads to slight differences in the isotopes' physical and chemical behaviors.
The term isotopically is typically used in the context of scientific disciplines such as chemistry, physics, geology, and biology to discuss the isotopic composition or distribution within a substance or sample. It refers to the manner or method by which isotopes are employed or studied in a particular process or investigation.
For instance, in chemistry, isotopically labeled compounds are prepared by replacing one or more atoms with their isotopic variants to track the behavior or transformations of the labeled atoms during chemical reactions or biological processes. Isotopically labeled substances aid researchers in tracing reaction pathways or understanding metabolic processes.
In geology and archeology, isotopic analysis allows scientists to investigate the ages of rocks, fossils, or artifacts by measuring the ratios of different isotopes present. This technique takes advantage of the fact that different isotopes decay at different rates, enabling the determination of the age of geological or archeological materials.
Overall, the term isotopically focuses on the specific qualities and applications associated with isotopes, offering a means to describe the study, analysis, or manipulation of these atomic variants in various scientific disciplines.
Common Misspellings for ISOTOPICALLY
Etymology of ISOTOPICALLY
The word isotopically is derived from the noun isotope combined with the suffix -ically. Here is a breakdown of the components:
1. Isotope: The term isotope was coined in 1913 by the British chemist Frederick Soddy. It originates from the Greek words isos meaning equal and topos meaning place. Soddy used this term to describe atoms of the same element that have different masses due to the varying number of neutrons in their nuclei.
2. -ically: This is a suffix commonly added to words to form adverbs. It signifies in a manner of or pertaining to.
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