Isotopic signature

For example, natural uranium has an isotope ratio of 99.3 % 238U to 0.7% 235U. For use of uranium as a nuclear fuel, the isotope ratio of 235U must pass through the so-called uranium enrichment at 3 - to be increased 5%.

Determination and age determination

The isotope ratio can be determined directly by mass spectrometry or radioactive isotopes indirectly via the radiation intensity. One application of the determination of the isotope ratio is the age determination. So can be set via long-lived radioactive isotopes, the age of the earth and the solar system determined accurately. The main method to the potassium -argon dating and uranium - lead dating. In archeology, the C-14 Date of the organic materials is important up to the age of 50,000.

Origin determination

Also related to the tracking, the determination of the isotopic signature can be used. Thus, for example, various lead deposits differ in addition to the amount of other heavy metals in the ratio of 208Pb to 206Pb.

Generally indicated isotopic ratios for different elements, such as hydrogen, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen are average values. In fact, however, these have wide regional variations. So can determine the origin of plant and animal products through the determination of the ratios of the stable isotopes.