Radionuclides
Radionuclides
Radionuclides (pronunciation: /ˌreɪdioʊˈnjuːklaɪdz/), also known as radioactive isotopes or radioisotopes, are atoms with unstable nuclei that emit radiation during their decay to a stable form.
Etymology
The term "radionuclide" is derived from the Latin radius meaning "ray" and the Greek νέος (neos) meaning "new", and εἶδος (eidos) meaning "form".
Description
Radionuclides can occur naturally, such as uranium, radium, and radon, or can be artificially produced in nuclear reactors, particle accelerators, or radionuclide generators. They have numerous applications in medicine, particularly in the fields of radiology and nuclear medicine, where they are used for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
Related Terms
- Radioactivity: The property possessed by some elements (such as uranium) or isotopes (such as carbon 14) of spontaneously emitting energetic particles by the disintegration of their atomic nuclei.
- Radiopharmaceuticals: Radioactive compounds used in medicine for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.
- Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
- Radiotracer: A radioactive isotope that is used in diagnostic procedures or in research to follow the path or ascertain the distribution of substances in the body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Radionuclides
- Wikipedia's article - Radionuclides
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