What enables a radioisotope to substitute for an ordinary nonradioactive atom of the same element in a molecule?

What enables radioisotope to substitute for an ordinary (non radioactive) atom of the same element in a molecule? Weak forces, such as hydrogen bonds and van Der Waals interactions, can produce string forces when large numbers of these bonds occur over short distances between regions of molecules.

What is the difference between an isotope and non isotope form of an element?

Elements are simply what you see on the periodic table. E.g. carbon, oxygen, hydrogen etc. Isotopes are elements with different masses. So isotopes have the same amount of protons but with different amounts of neutrons.

Can a non radioactive element be changed into a radioactive form?

No, for alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Neutrons can activate some materials, making them radioactive.

What is the difference between radioactive element and radioisotope?

Review: Radioactivity is the release of energy and matter due to a change in the nucleus of an atom. Radioisotopes are isotopes that are unstable and release radiation. All isotopes are not radioisotopes.

What determines the type of decay a radioisotope will undergo?

What determines the type of decay a radioisotope will undergo? The neutron-to-proton ratio determines the type of decay that occurs.

Why is radioactive decay random?

The randomness of the nuclear decays is due to this quantum mechanical probabilistic underpinning: A nucleus does not “age” with the passage of time. Thus, the probability of its breaking down does not increase with time, but stays constant no matter how long the nucleus has existed.

How do isotopes of the same element differ from each other?

Isotopes. An isotope is one of two or more forms of the same chemical element. Different isotopes of an element have the same number of protons in the nucleus, giving them the same atomic number, but a different number of neutrons giving each elemental isotope a different atomic weight.

Can the half life of a radioisotope be changed?

Yes, the decay half-life of a radioactive material can be changed. Radioactive decay happens when an unstable atomic nucleus spontaneously changes to a lower-energy state and spits out a bit of radiation. This process changes the atom to a different element or a different isotope.

What are the non radioactive elements?

Tellurium is a group 16 element with atomic number 54 and atomic mass 127. It is found out in the form of elementals crystals. So it is a non-radioactive element.

Is a radioisotope stable or unstable?

The nuclei of radioisotopes are unstable, so they constantly decay and emit radiation. In elements with more than 83 protons, all of the isotopes are radioactive.

Which characteristics of a radioisotope make it useful?

Radioisotopes are the unstable form of an element that emit radiation to transform into a more stable form. Radiation is easily traceable and can cause changes in the substance it falls upon. These special attributes make radioisotopes useful in medicine, industry and other areas.