Isotope

Concept of Isotope

In relation to securing dangerous material (in case of crisis or terrorism) a meaning of isotope may be outlined, in general regarding European law, as follows: Different forms of an element (or types of atom) having the same number of protons in their nuclei but a different number of neutrons. Isotopes of the same element have identical chemical properties. However, they may differ in their stability. Some decay and emit radiation.[1]

Resources

Notes and References

1. Definition of isotope published by the European Commission

Isotope in the National Security Context

A definition and brief description of Isotope in relation to national security is as follows:A form of a chemical element distinguished by the number of neutrons in its nucleus. E.g., 233U and 235U are two isotopes of uranium; both have 92 protons, but 233U has 141 neutrons and 235U has 143 neutrons.