Isotope Applications Exploration and Research Progress

Abstract

Isotopes, as key concepts in chemistry and physics, are extremely important for understanding elemental properties and behavior. This review aims to provide a comprehensive view of the basic theory of isotopes, including their definition and classification: stable isotopes versus radioactive isotopes. Isotopes not only have a place in theoretical studies, but also play a key role in several practical applications, such as radioisotopes for diagnosis and treatment in medicine, isotopes for determining the age of rocks and fossils in geology, tracking sources of pollution and ecosystem changes in environmental sciences. In addition, this paper will explore recent advances in isotope research, including the discovery of new isotopes, the enhancement of isotope analysis techniques, and new applications of isotopes at the intersection of several disciplines, including biology, environmental science, and forensic science. Through these comprehensive discussions, this review aims to provide researchers and students in related fields with an updated and comprehensive research perspective and reference.