radionúclido

A radionúclido is an atom that has an unstable nucleus. This instability means that the atom will spontaneously transform into a more stable form, releasing energy in the process. This transformation is known as radioactive decay. The energy released can take various forms, including alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, or neutrons. The rate at which a radionúclido decays is measured by its half-life, which is 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 radionúclido.

Radionúclidos are found naturally in the environment, such as in the Earth's crust and in cosmic rays. They are also produced artificially through nuclear reactions in power plants, particle accelerators, and nuclear weapons testing. These artificial radionúclidos can have various applications in medicine, industry, and research, such as in medical imaging, cancer therapy, and dating ancient artifacts. However, uncontrolled exposure to radionúclidos can be harmful due to their ionizing radiation, which can damage living tissues and increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, proper handling and disposal of radioactive materials are crucial for safety.