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radioactive isotope, any of several species of the same chemical element with different masses whose nuclei are unstable and dissipate excess energy by spontaneously emitting radiation in the form of alpha, beta, and gamma rays. A brief treatment of radioactive isotopes follows. For full treatment, see isotope: Radioactive isotopes.
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22 mar 2021 · Radioactive isotopes have numerous medical applications—diagnosing and treating illnesses and diseases. One example of a diagnostic application is using radioactive iodine-131 to test for thyroid activity (Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\)).
26 cze 2023 · In nuclear reactors, radioactive isotopes are produced by nuclear fission, which is the splitting of heavy atomic nuclei such as uranium-235 and plutonium-239. These radioactive isotopes are used in nuclear power generation and in industrial and scientific applications.
13 sie 2023 · Radioactive isotopes have the same chemical properties as stable isotopes of the same element, but they emit radiation, which can be detected. If we replace one (or more) atom(s) with radioisotope(s) in a compound, we can track them by monitoring their radioactive emissions.
30 lip 2020 · Nuclear science. Isotopes. Radioisotopes are the unstable form of an element that emit radiation to transform into a more stable form. Radiation is easily traceable and can cause changes in the substance it falls upon. These special attributes make radioisotopes useful in medicine, industry and other areas.
10 kwi 2022 · Radioactive isotopes have numerous medical applications—diagnosing and treating illnesses and diseases. One example of a diagnostic application is using radioactive iodine-131 to test for thyroid activity (Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\)).
How can isotopes be produced--especially radioisotopes, which can serve many useful purposes? There are two basic methods: separation and synthesis. Some isotopes occur in nature. If radioactive, these usually are radioisotopes with very long half-lives.
