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Radioactive isotope Definition and Explanation PDF | Download eBooks

Learn Radioactive isotope definition in biology with explanation to study “What is Radioactive isotope”. Study radioactive isotope explanation with biology terms to review biology course for online degree programs.

Radioactive isotope Definition:

  • A radioactive isotope is one in which the nucleus decays spontaneously, giving off particles and energy.

    Campbell Biology by J.B. Reece, L.A. Urry, M.L. Cain, S.A. Wasserman, P.V. Minorsky, R.B. Jackson



Radioactive isotope Explanation:

A radioactive isotope is a different specie of the same element. A radioactive atom that has excess nuclear energy, making it unstable. This excess energy can be used in one of three ways: emitted from the nucleus as gamma radiation; transferred to one of its electrons to release it as a conversion electron; or used to create and emit a new particle (alpha particle or beta particle) from the nucleus. During those processes, the radionuclide is said to undergo radioactive decay. These emissions are considered ionizing radiation because they are powerful enough to liberate an electron from another atom.

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