RADIOISOMER Meaning and
Definition
-
A radioisomer is a term used in chemistry to describe a specific isotope of an element that exhibits radioactivity. Isotopes are variants of an element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Radioactivity refers to the spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable atomic nucleus as it seeks to achieve a more stable configuration.
In the case of a radioisomer, the elemental composition remains the same while the isotope's nucleus undergoes radioactive decay, resulting in the emission of radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. This decay process helps the radioisomer to transform into a more stable form.
Radioisomers find extensive applications in various fields, including medicine and industry. In medicine, radioisotopes are commonly used in diagnostic imaging procedures like PET scans (positron emission tomography) and in radiation therapy to treat cancerous tumors. Additionally, they serve as tracers to track biochemical processes within living organisms.
Industrial applications of radioisomers include radiography to inspect structures for flaws or defects, sterilization of medical supplies, and gauging the thickness of materials. They are also employed in research and environmental studies to understand the behavior and movement of elements in biological and ecological systems.
Overall, radioisomers play a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge, diagnosing medical conditions, and facilitating numerous technological advancements.
Common Misspellings for RADIOISOMER
- eadioisomer
- dadioisomer
- fadioisomer
- tadioisomer
- 5adioisomer
- 4adioisomer
- rzdioisomer
- rsdioisomer
- rwdioisomer
- rqdioisomer
- rasioisomer
- raxioisomer
- racioisomer
- rafioisomer
- rarioisomer
- raeioisomer
- raduoisomer
- radjoisomer
- radkoisomer
- radooisomer
Etymology of RADIOISOMER
The word "radioisomer" is derived from two components: "radio-" and "-isomer".
1. "Radio-" is derived from the word "radioactive", which is a term used to describe materials that emit radiation. It is borrowed from the French word "radioactif", coined in 1898 by Marie Curie, from the Latin word "radius" meaning "ray" or "beam".
2. "-Isomer" is a suffix that indicates "a compound with the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms". It comes from the Greek word "isos", meaning "equal", and "meros", meaning "part".
When combined, "radioisomer" refers to a radioactive isomer, which is a form of a chemical element that differs in its nuclear properties from other isotopes of the element but shares the same chemical properties.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
