Nitrogen isotopes: same element, different mass
Nitrogen isotopes have the same number of protons but different neutron counts. The stable natural isotopes are nitrogen-14 and nitrogen-15.
The isotope shorthand
Nitrogen-14 has seven protons and seven neutrons; nitrogen-15 has seven protons and eight neutrons. Both are nitrogen because an element is defined by proton count. Their mass difference can create measurable isotope effects.
A tool for tracing pathways
Scientists measure ¹⁵N/¹⁴N ratios to study food webs, nitrogen cycling, pollution sources, and planetary processes. Ratios require reference standards and careful interpretation; a single measurement rarely tells the whole story.
Sources and further reading
These references are starting points. Check the source directly for definitions, dates, units, and context. This is an educational overview, not an operating manual or professional advice.
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