Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'isotope'

English Word: isotope

Key Russian Translations:

• изотоп [IPA: ɪzɐˈtop] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific and academic contexts, but less so in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires basic knowledge of scientific terminology and Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

изотоп: [IPA: ɪzɐˈtop]

Note on изотоп: The stress falls on the second syllable ("-top"), which is a common feature in Russian scientific terms. Pronounce the "и" as a short "i" sound, similar to the "i" in "bit".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The basic meaning: A variant of a chemical element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

Translation(s) & Context:

• изотоп - Used primarily in scientific, educational, and technical contexts, such as chemistry, physics, or nuclear science discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Углерод имеет несколько изотопов, включая углерод-12 и углерод-14.

  English: Carbon has several isotopes, including carbon-12 and carbon-14.

• Русский: Изотопы используются в медицине для диагностики заболеваний.

  English: Isotopes are used in medicine for diagnosing diseases.

• Русский: В ядерной физике изотопы играют ключевую роль в реакциях.

  English: In nuclear physics, isotopes play a key role in reactions.

• Русский: Стабильный изотоп водорода известен как дейтерий.

  English: The stable isotope of hydrogen is known as deuterium.

• Русский: Учёные изучают радиоактивные изотопы для датировки артефактов.

  English: Scientists study radioactive isotopes for dating artifacts.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "изотоп" is a masculine noun in the second declension group. It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its primary inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • радионуклид (radionuclide) - Often used interchangeably in nuclear contexts, but more specific to radioactive variants.
  • нуклид (nuclide) - A broader term encompassing isotopes and their properties.
• Antonyms: Not applicable, as "изотоп" is a specific scientific term without direct opposites.

Related Phrases:

• стабильный изотоп - Stable isotope; Refers to isotopes that do not undergo radioactive decay.
• радиоактивный изотоп - Radioactive isotope; Used in contexts involving nuclear energy or medical imaging.
• изотопный анализ - Isotopic analysis; A method for studying the composition of materials in scientific research.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "изотоп" directly corresponds to the English "isotope" and is used almost exclusively in formal, scientific, or technical settings. It is a neuter noun in terms of its role but follows masculine declension patterns. When using it in sentences, ensure proper case agreement with prepositions (e.g., "в изотопе" for "in the isotope"). English learners should note that Russian scientific vocabulary often borrows from international terms, so pronunciation and spelling are similar. If multiple translations exist, choose "изотоп" for general purposes, but specify subtypes like "радиоактивный" for precision.

Common Errors:

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using "изотоп" in the genitive case as "изотоп" instead of "изотопа". Correct: Always adjust for case, as in "изучение изотопа" (study of the isotope).

• Error: Confusing with "атом" (atom), leading to misuse in sentences. For example, saying "атом имеет разные изотопы" instead of the correct "атомы имеют изотопы". Explanation: "Изотоп" is a property of atoms, so context must clarify; use genitive for possession.

Cultural Notes:

The concept of isotopes gained prominence in Russian scientific history through figures like Igor Kurchatov, a key figure in Soviet nuclear research. Terms like "изотоп" are deeply tied to Russia's advancements in physics and space exploration, reflecting the country's emphasis on STEM education and its role in the atomic age. While not culturally loaded, it symbolizes scientific collaboration and competition during the Cold War era.

Related Concepts:

• элемент (element)
• атом (atom)
• нуклеон (nucleon)