What are radionuclides?

Radionuclides are defined as unstable isotopes that emit radiation as they undergo decay. This process occurs as the atom transforms into a more stable form, which may involve the release of various forms of radiation, such as alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. The instability in these isotopes arises from an imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons in their nuclei, leading to a tendency for the radionuclide to release energy in the form of radiation in an effort to reach a stable state.

The nature of radionuclides is fundamentally connected to their radioactive properties, distinguishing them from stable isotopes, which do not emit radiation because they have a balanced nuclear composition. Understanding the behavior and implications of radionuclides is crucial in fields such as nuclear medicine, radiological safety, and environmental science, where the management of radiation exposure is imperative.