Difference between revisions of "Radioactive isotope"
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(It's an estimate, not a calculation. The range of validity of carbon dating is an important thing about it, and particularly interesting for kids.) |
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| − | + | A '''radioactive isotope''', or '''radioisotope''', is an [[isotope]] in whose [[atom]] the nucleus is not stable.<ref>Wile, Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Physical Science''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000</ref> | |
Radioactive isotopes have many applications in [[science]] and [[medicine]]. One application is [[radiocarbon dating|carbon 14 dating]].<ref>http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nuclear/cardat.html</ref> This allows [[scientist]]s to estimate the age of the remains of once-living things up to tens of thousands of years old. | Radioactive isotopes have many applications in [[science]] and [[medicine]]. One application is [[radiocarbon dating|carbon 14 dating]].<ref>http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nuclear/cardat.html</ref> This allows [[scientist]]s to estimate the age of the remains of once-living things up to tens of thousands of years old. | ||
Revision as of 19:24, May 2, 2011
A radioactive isotope, or radioisotope, is an isotope in whose atom the nucleus is not stable.[1]
Radioactive isotopes have many applications in science and medicine. One application is carbon 14 dating.[2] This allows scientists to estimate the age of the remains of once-living things up to tens of thousands of years old.
References
- ↑ Wile, Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000
- ↑ http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nuclear/cardat.html