Radionuclide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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radionuclide
[ˌreɪ.dioʊˈnjuː.klayd ]
Definition
nuclear science
A radionuclide is an atom that has excess nuclear energy, making it unstable. This instability leads to the emission of radiation in the form of particles or electromagnetic waves. Radionuclides can occur naturally or be man-made, and they are used in various applications such as medicine, industry, and research.
Synonyms
radioactive isotope, radioisotope.
Examples of usage
- Radionuclides are used in cancer treatment to target and kill malignant cells.
- The study of radionuclides helps in understanding radioactive decay processes.
- Many radionuclides are utilized in diagnostic imaging techniques.
- Radionuclide labeling is a crucial method in biological research.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Radionuclides can be naturally occurring, like uranium, or man-made, such as those used in medicine and industry.
- They have various half-lives, meaning some can decay quickly while others take thousands of years to change.
- Radiation from certain radionuclides is used in cancer treatment to target and kill harmful cells.
Pop Culture
- Radionuclides feature prominently in science fiction, often connected with themes of nuclear power and disaster.
- Movies like 'Godzilla' have linked radioactive materials with monstrous mutations, showcasing public fear of radiation.
Health and Environment
- Certain radionuclides are used in diagnostic imaging, like PET scans, helping doctors see inside our bodies.
- Contamination from radionuclides can have severe environmental impacts, leading to health risks for humans and wildlife.
Regulation and Safety
- Regulatory agencies closely monitor the use of radionuclides to protect public health and the environment.
- Safety protocols are essential when handling radionuclides to minimize exposure and prevent accidents.
Origin of 'radionuclide'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'radio-' from 'radiation' and 'nuclide,' which refers to a specific type of nucleus in an atom.
- The term was first used in the early 20th century when scientists began studying the nature of radioactivity.
The term 'radionuclide' derives from two parts: 'radio' and 'nuclide'. 'Radio' refers to the concept of radiation, which comes from the Latin word 'radius', meaning ray. This prefix highlights the presence of radiation associated with the unstable nuclei of such atoms. 'Nuclide' itself originates from the combination of 'nucleus', derived from Latin 'nucleus', meaning the kernel or core of something, and the suffix '-ide', which is commonly used in chemistry to denote a specific type of atom or ion. The whole term 'radionuclide' is relatively modern, emerging in the mid-20th century as the field of nuclear physics advanced. The discovery of radioactivity by Henri Becquerel in 1896 and the subsequent work on radioisotopes has played a pivotal role in the development of the concept of radionuclides.