Isotopes are atoms of a chemical element that have the same atomic number (making them essentially the same element) but different mass numbers (resulting in different properties) due to a different number of neutrons in the atom's nucleus. For example, hydrogen has three isotopes: protium (one proton), deuterium (one proton and one neutron) and tritium (one proton and two neutrons).

In the 2060s, Earth's atmosphere was irradiated with radioactive isotopes in the aftermath of World War III. (Star Trek: First Contact)

In 2151, the Malurians were secretly mining the Akaali homeworld for veridium isotopes. (ENT: "Civilization")

A gas giant investigated by the Enterprise in 2152 had many moons with atmospheres containing selenium isotopes. These isotopes interfered with sensors, hampering the search for Charles Tucker when his shuttlepod was shot down over one of the moons. (ENT: "Dawn")

In the mid-24th century, the Haakonians used Metreon isotopes in the metreon cascade, a weapon used on the Talaxian moon, Rinax. (VOY: "Jetrel")

Caatati technology was dependant on thorium isotopes. (VOY: "Day of Honor")

Trilithium isotopes are used in Romulan plasma torpedoes. (DS9: "Image in the Sand")

External linkEdit

• Isotope at Wikipedia