Radioisotopes

Remember the atom!

• Atomic number = number of protons in an element.
  • Each element may have many different isotopes, which have the same number of protons and differing number of neutrons.
• Radioactive elements constantly undergo decay and in the process emit energy in varying forms.
  • Alpha and beta decay = energetic particles are released.
  • Photons can be emitted as a form of energy from decay.
  • Photons have no mass (i.e. x-rays and gamma rays).
• Photons are used to create images, primarily gamma rays in nuclear medicine.

 

Examples of Common Radioisotopes