Radioisotopes

Definition

Radioisotopes are isotopes of an element that have unstable nuclei and emit radiation as they decay to a stable form. These emissions can be in the form of alpha, beta, or gamma rays.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Radioisotopes have applications in medical imaging and cancer treatment.
2. Carbon-14 is a well-known radioisotope used in radiocarbon dating.
3. The stability of a radioisotope's nucleus determines its half-life.
4. Radioisotopes can be naturally occurring or artificially produced.
5. Exposure to radioisotopes must be carefully controlled due to potential health risks.

Review Questions

• What makes a radioisotope different from other isotopes?
• How are radioisotopes used in medical science?
• What safety precautions are necessary when handling radioisotopes?

Related terms

Isotope: Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons but the same number of protons.

Half-life: The time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

Radiation: The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles, especially high-energy particles that cause ionization.