All elements are composed of atoms, and each atom has a total number,which is the sum of the protons and neutrons, and the atomic number is the sum of the protons only….
Well, the short answer: Izotopes of the same element differ in neutron number. The radioactive isotopes are just less stable, and therefore they decay to another izotopes of other elements.
Konrad
Dear Ali,
While a stable isotope does not transmute into another element with emission of electromagentic or corpuscular radiation, a radioactive isotope has unstable nuclear composition, and it decomposes spontaneously to a stable form by emission of a nuclear electron (beta particle), a helium nucleus (alpha particle), or radiation (gamma rays).
There is a pretty good explanation free on the Internet: "Radioactive Isotope: Definition & Uses - Study.com." It contains text, illustrations, as well as a short video.
Let me know if you need further information. Best wishes, AF.
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