isotopic fractionation

Isotopic fractionation refers to the process where different isotopes of an element are distributed unevenly due to physical or chemical processes. Isotopes are variants of an element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses. When reactions occur—like evaporation, condensation, or biological processes—lighter isotopes often react or move more easily than heavier ones. This leads to variations in the proportions of isotopes in different materials, which can provide valuable information in fields like geology, archaeology, and climate science, helping to track processes and sources over time.