Radioisotopes

Radioisotopes are a special kind of atom that is very different from regular atoms. Think of an atom like a tiny little toy house with rooms inside. Most atoms have a certain number of rooms, called protons, that tell us what kind of atom it is. For example, if an atom has six protons it is a carbon atom.

But radioisotopes are special because they don't have the usual number of rooms. They have extra rooms, called neutrons, that make them unstable. Just like a toy house with too many rooms stacked on top of each other might fall over, a radioisotope can "fall over" and change into a different kind of atom.

This change is called radioactive decay. When a radioisotope decays, it gives off a special kind of energy called radiation. This energy can be in the form of little particles or waves, and it can be dangerous if a person gets too much of it.

But radioisotopes can also be helpful. Scientists can use them to make medicine to help people who are sick, or they can use them to study things like rocks or plants. It's all about using them in the right way and making sure that people are safe.