radioactive isotopes


ra·di·o·ac·tive i·so·topes

(rā'dē-ō-ak'tiv ī'sŏ-tōps) Isotopes with an unstable nuclear composition; such nuclei decompose spontaneously by emission of a nuclear electron (β particle) or helium nucleus (α particle) and radiation (γ rays), thus achieving a stable nuclear composition; used as tracers, and as radiation and energy sources.
See also: half-life

ra·di·o·ac·tive i·so·topes

(rā'dē-ō-ak'tiv ī'sŏ-tōps) An isotope with an unstable nuclear composition; used as tracers, and as radiation and energy sources.