Radioisotope

A radioisotope is a variant of a chemical element that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation as it breaks down into more stable forms. This process, known as radioactive decay, can produce alpha, beta, or gamma radiation. Radioisotopes are used in various fields, including medicine for diagnosing and treating diseases (like cancer), in industry for measuring and detecting purposes, and in scientific research for studying materials and processes. While they can be beneficial, appropriate safety measures are essential due to the radiation they emit.