Tracer

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-012189",
  "term": "Tracer",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A substance, often a radioisotope or a stable isotope, introduced into a system to follow the path or behavior of another substance or process. It allows for the investigation of reaction mechanisms, transport phenomena, or the distribution of specific compounds within complex systems. Common examples include using carbon-14 to study metabolic pathways or deuterium as a label in reaction kinetics.",
  "subject": "Analytical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "X-ray fluorescence",
    "activation",
    "isotopic tracer",
    "neutron",
    "radioactive",
    "radioactive tracer",
    "radioactivity",
    "stable",
    "troposphere"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1990, 62, 2167. 'Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)' on page 2217 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199062112167)",
    "PAC, 1994, 66, 2513. 'Nomenclature for radioanalytical chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 2525 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466122513)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/tracer/"
}