noun
- atoms of an element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons and emit radiation as they decay
Usage: scientific; plural form of radioisotope
Examples
- Medical radioisotopes are used to diagnose and treat various diseases.
- Carbon-14 and uranium-235 are well-known radioisotopes.
- The nuclear power plant produces several radioisotopes as byproducts.
- Scientists use radioisotopes to date ancient artifacts.
- Some radioisotopes have very short half-lives and decay quickly.
- Radioisotopes emit different types of radiation including alpha, beta, and gamma rays.