Isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons in their nucleus, but a different number of neutrons.
They have the same atomic number but different mass numbers.
Most elements have different isotopes, but there's usually one or two stable ones.
(carbon-12)
Other isotopes tend to be radioactive (carbon-14) which means they decay into other elements and give out radiation.
This is where all radioactivity comes from- unstable radioactive isotopes undergoing nuclear decay and spitting out high energy particles or waves.
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Radioactivity
Unstable nuclei will decay and in the process give out ionising radiation. This process is totally random.
When the nucleus does decay, it will spit out one or more out of three types of radiation- alpha, beta and gamma.
In the process, the nucleus will often change into a new element.
When an atom loses or gains an electron, it is turned into an ion. This is radiation.
Alpha particles have a large positive charge. When an alpha particle passes close to an atom, it can pull a negatively charged electron out of orbit.
Beta particles have a negative charge and push an electron out of orbit from an atom.
Gamma rays can interact with the electrons orbiting the atom and transfer energy to them. If an electron gets enough energy, it can break free from the atom.
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