Radioactive isotopes (radioisotopes or radionuclides) are isotopes with an unstable atomic nucleus. These isotopes release energy in the form of radiation, primarily in the form of alpha, beta, or gamma rays, and emit particles during the process of radioactive decay until the nucleus stabilizes
Isotopes can be stable or radioactive. Over 1,000 radioactive isotopes of chemical elements are known. Of these, 50 occur naturally, while the majority are produced artificially. In fact, nearly every chemical element has one or more radioactive isotopes
Each radioactive isotope has a unique half-life, which determines the rate of decay. The half-lives of radioactive isotopes vary widely, ranging from a few minutes to several years