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There is a very wide range of half-life for different radioactive isotopes, ranging from the billions of years to very small fractions of a second. So some isotopes disintegrate immediately, and others last a very long time.

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When radioactive isotopes break down into other elements the process is called?

radioactive decay


What are the natural process on which radioactive dating is based?

Radioactive dating is based on the natural process of radioactive decay, whereby unstable isotopes of elements decay into more stable isotopes over time. By measuring the amount of parent and daughter isotopes in a sample, scientists can determine the age of the material. This method is commonly used in geology and archaeology to date rocks and artifacts.


How is radioactive dating used to determine the age of rocks and fossils?

Radioactive dating is used to determine the age of rocks and fossils by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes within them. By comparing the amount of parent and daughter isotopes present, scientists can calculate the age of the sample. This method relies on the predictable rate of decay of certain isotopes, such as carbon-14 or uranium-238, to estimate the age of the material.


Among the following radioactive parent isotopes, which has the shortest half-life?

The radioactive parent isotope with the shortest half-life among the options provided.


List of radioactive elements?

Elements that decay (give off protons and neutrons) to form other elements. *It's not elements as such that are stable or unstable, but rather isotopes. Even elements of small atomic number have unstable isotopes that undergo radioactive decay, for example carbon-14. Elements with higher atomic numbers than Lead (82) are naturally radioactive in all isotopes. Bismuth (83) has an extremely long half-life, but the time generally becomes shorter (the decay more rapid) as the size of the nucleus gets progressively larger for heavier radioactive elements.

Related Questions

What happens to all radioactive isotopes?

All radioactive isotopes will disintegrate.


What is an unstable isotope?

Unstable isotopes are radioactive isotopes, can disintegrate and emit radiations.


What element characteristic does radioactive isotopes have?

These isotopes are unstable and disintegrate emitting radiations.


Is neon radioactive?

No radioactive isotopes of neon are ordinarily found in nature. All elements have radioactive synthetic isotopes, however.


What are isotopes considered radioactive?

Not all isotopes are radioactive; the radioactive isotopes are unstable and emit radiations.


How are radioactive isotopes different from isotopes?

Both isotopes and radioactive isotopes are pretty much the same but radioactive isotopes are better because it can be used to make medicine.


Does sodium contain radioactive isotopes?

Sodium has no radioactive isotopes.


Does radioactive isotopes have a stable nuclei?

Radioactive isotopes are not stable.


Which phrase best describe radioactive isotopes?

Radioactive isotopes are atoms that have unstable nuclei and undergo radioactive decay, emitting radiation in the process. These isotopes are commonly used in various fields, such as medicine, industry, and research, due to their ability to deliver targeted energy and be detected easily.


Which radioactive most easily absorbed?

Radioactive isotopes that are easily absorbed by the body typically have chemical properties similar to essential elements, such as iodine or cesium. These isotopes are more easily absorbed because the body can mistake them for essential nutrients. For example, iodine-131 is readily absorbed by the thyroid gland due to its similarity to stable iodine.


What is a stable isotope?

A stable isotope is an isotope that does not undergo radioactive decay, meaning its nucleus is stable and does not change over time. These isotopes have a constant number of protons and neutrons, making them suitable for use in scientific studies like tracing biological processes or determining the age of rocks. Examples include carbon-12, oxygen-16, and nitrogen-14.


Does plutonium have isotopes that are all radioactive?

All the uranium isotopes are radioactive.