
Natural radioactive isotopes
Natural radioactive isotopes are versions of elements that have unstable nuclei, meaning they can change over time and emit radiation. This process, called radioactive decay, transforms them into different elements or isotopes. Common examples include uranium, radium, and carbon-14. They occur naturally in the environment and can be found in soil, rocks, and even in our bodies. While they can be harmful in high doses, radioactive isotopes also have beneficial uses in medicine, energy production, and scientific research, helping us understand both the universe and human health.