Oxygen-17
Oxygen-17 is a stable isotope of the element oxygen, which has a total of 8 protons and 9 neutrons in its nucleus. This isotope is less abundant than the more common Oxygen-16, making up about 0.037% of naturally occurring oxygen. Its unique nuclear properties make it useful in various scientific fields, including geochemistry and climate studies.
In addition to its applications in research, Oxygen-17 plays a role in biological processes. It can be used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study metabolic pathways and cellular functions. Understanding this isotope helps scientists gain insights into environmental changes and biological systems.