Kinetic fractionation

Kinetic fractionation refers to the process by which different isotopes of an element are separated due to differences in their kinetic energies or reaction rates. This phenomenon occurs primarily during physical or chemical processes where the isotopes experience distinct rates of reaction or diffusion because of their mass differences. In kinetic fractionation, lighter isotopes typically move or react faster than heavier isotopes. This results in a non-uniform distribution of isotopes in a product compared to its precursor material.