RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPE Meaning and
Definition
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A radioactive isotope refers to an atom with an unstable nucleus that undergoes spontaneous decay emitting radiation. It is a variant of a chemical element that has an altered number of neutrons in its nucleus, resulting in an atomic mass different from the typical form of that element. The instability of the nucleus is due to an imbalance between the number of protons and neutrons, causing it to seek a more stable configuration.
These isotopes emit various types of radiation, such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays, as they strive to attain a more balanced state. The release of radiation during the decay process can be harmful to living organisms, as it can damage cellular structures and DNA, potentially leading to mutations or health complications.
Radioactive isotopes find applications across various fields, including medicine, industry, and research. In medicine, they are often used in diagnostic procedures, such as radioactive tracers, to visualize specific areas or functions of the body. In industry, radioactive isotopes are utilized for numerous purposes, including gauging thickness or density, detecting leaks, and sterilizing medical equipment. They also play a crucial role in scientific research, enabling scientists to study the behavior of atoms, understand geological processes, and determine the age of ancient artifacts through radiometric dating.
Given their potential risks and benefits, the use of radioactive isotopes necessitates careful handling and containment to ensure the safety of individuals and the environment.
Common Misspellings for RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPE
- eadioactive isotope
- dadioactive isotope
- fadioactive isotope
- tadioactive isotope
- 5adioactive isotope
- 4adioactive isotope
- rzdioactive isotope
- rsdioactive isotope
- rwdioactive isotope
- rqdioactive isotope
- rasioactive isotope
- raxioactive isotope
- racioactive isotope
- rafioactive isotope
- rarioactive isotope
- raeioactive isotope
- raduoactive isotope
- radjoactive isotope
- radkoactive isotope
- radooactive isotope
Etymology of RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPE
The word "radioactive" is derived from the combination of "radio-" and "active". "Radio-" comes from the Latin word "radius", meaning "spoke of a wheel" or "ray". In this context, it refers to the emission of rays or waves. "Active" comes from the Latin word "activus", meaning "having force" or "energetic". When combined, "radioactive" refers to a substance emitting rays or waves spontaneously as a result of its inherent energetic or active nature.
The word "isotope" is derived from the Greek roots "iso-" meaning "equal" or "the same" and "-topos" meaning "place" or "location". It refers to the atoms of an element that have the same number of protons but differing numbers of neutrons.
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