Radioizotópos

Radioizotópos, also known as radioactive isotopes, are atoms of the same element that have a different number of neutrons in their nucleus. This difference in neutron count makes their nuclei unstable. Unstable nuclei undergo radioactive decay, a process where they spontaneously emit particles and/or energy to transform into a more stable form. This decay can involve the emission of alpha particles (helium nuclei), beta particles (electrons or positrons), or gamma rays (high-energy photons). The rate at which a radioizotóp decays is characterized by its half-life, the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay. Half-lives can range from fractions of a second to billions of years, depending on the specific radioizotóp. Radioizotópos have numerous applications in various fields, including medicine for diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment, industry for gauging and sterilization, and scientific research for dating ancient artifacts and tracing biological processes. Understanding the properties and behavior of radioizotópos is crucial for their safe and effective use.