Final answer:
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. Stable isotopes do not decay, while radioactive isotopes undergo decay over time. Radioactive isotopes have various uses in fields such as nuclear medicine and research.
Step-by-step explanation:
Isotopes
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons. They have the same number of protons and electrons but differ in their atomic mass. For example, carbon-12 and carbon-14 are isotopes of carbon with 6 protons and 6 electrons, but carbon-12 has 6 neutrons while carbon-14 has 8 neutrons.
Stable and Radioactive Isotopes
Stable isotopes are not radioactive and do not decay over time. They have a stable nucleus and do not undergo spontaneous changes. On the other hand, radioactive isotopes are unstable and decay by emitting radiation until they reach a stable state. An example of a radioactive isotope is iodine-131.
Uses of Radioactive Isotopes
Radioactive isotopes have various applications in fields such as nuclear medicine, industry, and research. They can be used for diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, sterilization of medical equipment, carbon dating, and tracing the movement of chemicals in biological systems.