What is isotons?

Isotons are atoms that have the same number of neutrons in their nucleus. This means that they have different atomic numbers but the same mass number. For example, carbon-14 and nitrogen-15 are isotons because they both have 7 neutrons, but carbon-14 has 6 protons and nitrogen-15 has 7 protons.

Isotons have similar chemical properties and can be found in the same position on the periodic table. They also have similar physical properties, such as melting and boiling points, because the number of neutrons affects the bonding between atoms.

Isotons are useful in nuclear medicine because they can be used as tracers in radioisotope imaging. For example, technetium-99m and iodine-131 are isotons that are commonly used in medical imaging and treatment. Studying isotons can also help scientists understand the nuclear reactions that occur in stars and other celestial bodies.