Radionuclide

A radionuclide is a type of atom that has an unstable nucleus, meaning it can spontaneously change by releasing energy and particles, a process called radioactive decay. This decay transforms the radionuclide into a different element or isotope over time. Radionuclides occur naturally, like uranium, or can be man-made, such as in medical imaging or industrial applications. They emit radiation, which can be used for diagnosis, treatment, or analysis. Despite their usefulness, handling radionuclides requires caution due to their potential health risks from radiation exposure.