Isotopes Isotopes Isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons in the nucleus but varying numbers of neutrons.
Isotopes can be stable or unstable, depending on how many more neutrons than protons they have.
If the isotope's nucleus is too heavy, the atom will tend to eject particles until it stablizes. Radioactive isotopes are commonly used for dating . Geologists have studied the way the ratios respond to changes in salinity, temperature, precipitation, photosynthesis and decomposition. By using modern examples, and assuming that the processes in the past work the same way they do now, geologists have calibrated the ratios. Using these calibrations, we can estimate how the environment around our research site has changed over time.