daughter isotope

chemistry

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June 25, 2026

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A daughter isotope is a stable isotope that results from the radioactive decay of a parent isotope. Radioactive isotopes are unstable atoms that release energy by emitting radiation, transforming into different elements or isotopes. This process, known as radioactive decay, occurs at a characteristic rate, allowing scientists to use it for dating.12

For example, the radioactive isotope tritium (hydrogen-3) decays into helium-3, which is a stable daughter isotope. In geological dating, the ratio of parent isotopes to daughter isotopes in minerals can reveal how much time has passed since the mineral formed. This method is crucial for establishing the sequence of events in Earth's history.234

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Principles of isotopic dating
…which permits the identification of daughter atoms formed by the decay process in a sample containing radioactive parent atoms. The particles given off during the decay process are part of a profound fundamental change in the nucleus. To compensate for the loss of mass (and energy), the radioactive atom undergoes…
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…which permits the identification of daughter atoms formed by the decay process in a sample containing radioactive parent atoms. The particles given off during the decay process are part of a profound fundamental change in the nucleus. To compensate for the loss of mass (and energy), the radioactive atom undergoes…
Read More