OCS 1005 Chapter : Chemical Oceanography
15 Mar 2019
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Number of nuclear protons = z= atomic number: each element has a different z number. Specific nuclear species is called a nuclide (isotopes: given number of protons and neutrons, about 1500 nuclides, but only about 100-110 elements. Each element can have more than one nuclide. Isotopes of hydrogen- most abundant atom in the universe: 3 isotopes, protium and deuterium are stable, tritium is radioactive, decays to helium and becomes stable, t1/2= 12. 3 years. If there are 3 stable isotopes, their natural abundances should equal 100% Half of the earth"s crust is oxygen by mass. Sulfur is also used as a tracer: have to alter its natural isotopic abundance or have distinct signature. Chemical formula h2o 2 hydrogen atoms, 1 oxygen atom. Molecular weight of h2o- 2(h) + 1(o)- 2(1)+1(16)= 18 g. 2(2) + 1(18) = 4 + 18 = 22 grams. French chemist- lavoisier- discovered water - showed waster was composed of 2 gases- 1783.
