Radioisotope

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009891",
  "term": "Radioisotope",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "An atom that possesses an unstable nucleus and undergoes radioactive decay, emitting radiation in the process. These isotopes have an excess of either neutrons or protons, or too much energy, leading to their transformation into a more stable nuclear configuration. They are widely used as tracers in chemical and biological studies, and in medical diagnostics and therapy.",
  "subject": "Analytical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "radioactive"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1994, 66, 2513. 'Nomenclature for radioanalytical chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 2524 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466122513)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/radioisotope/"
}