> Isotopes of a given element have the same number of protons (92 for uranium), but different numbers of neutrons (143 for U-235 and 146 for U-238), meaning they behave the same chemically but differ in mass or radiation emissions.
A fun but off-topic note: "behave the same chemically" is only approximately true. For heavy atoms like the ones discussed in the article, it's basically true. But for hydrogen, adding one neutron doubles its mass and you can get real effects on chemical reaction rates.
But due to USDA requirements, Indian Mangoes actually have to undergo gamma irradiation treatment using Cobalt-60 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalt-60#Applications) before they can be exported. So some of the top atomic research centers in India have a special facility just to phytosanitize mangoes!
> Isotopes of a given element have the same number of protons (92 for uranium), but different numbers of neutrons (143 for U-235 and 146 for U-238), meaning they behave the same chemically but differ in mass or radiation emissions.
A fun but off-topic note: "behave the same chemically" is only approximately true. For heavy atoms like the ones discussed in the article, it's basically true. But for hydrogen, adding one neutron doubles its mass and you can get real effects on chemical reaction rates.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinetic_isotope_effect
And of course, an obligatory "In The Pipeline" link on how it's used in drug discovery: https://www.science.org/content/blog-post/isotopes-get-your-...
Nice; we need more of these sort of scientific articles on HN.
There is so much the general public is unaware of when it comes to the use of Atomic/Nuclear Physics in our modern societies.
Here is a fun fact: Americans Will Do Anything to Get Indian Mangoes - https://archive.ph/xVqfl#selection-2157.0-2157.48
But due to USDA requirements, Indian Mangoes actually have to undergo gamma irradiation treatment using Cobalt-60 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalt-60#Applications) before they can be exported. So some of the top atomic research centers in India have a special facility just to phytosanitize mangoes!
There are even research papers on how to do the above more efficiently for example; Improving phytosanitary irradiation treatment of mangoes using Monte Carlo simulation - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S02608...
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