Radioisotope

isotope

different forms of same element but different number of neutrons

radioisotope

radioactive element because of its unstable nucleus → eject particles/electromagnetic waves

Radiation

emission of radiation or particles ejected from nucleus. Breaking down of nucleus (nuclear decay)

Different types of radiation

Alpha decay
Beta decay
Gamma decay

Alpha decay

alpha decay → release alpha particles (helium with 2p and 2n, +2 cation)
travel a t10% light speed
stopped by paper or skin
atomic number drop by 2
mass number drop by 4

Beta decay

neutron converts to proton → release electron (B particle)
atomic number +1
mass number no change
stopped by aluminum
travels at 90% light speed

Gamma decay

unstable atomic nucleus moving around like worm → looses energy, emit gamma ray (high energy, DNA damaging)
protons and neutrons rearrange
no change in atomic, mass number
stopped by 1m of concrete
lightspeed

half life

the rate which nuclear decay happens at