I think you mean an unstable isotope can likely change into another element via radioactive decay.mandy9008 said:
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Stability is important because it determines the likelihood of an isotope decaying and releasing harmful radiation.
Rhodium-103, a stable isotope of rhodium, is used in brachytherapy as a radiation source. It emits low-energy gamma rays that can target cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Rhodium-103 has a short half-life, meaning it decays quickly, which reduces the overall radiation exposure for patients. It also emits low-energy gamma rays, making it safer for use in brachytherapy procedures.
The stability of an isotope is determined by its ratio of protons to neutrons. In general, the closer an isotope is to having an equal number of protons and neutrons, the more stable it is. This is known as the neutron-to-proton ratio.
Yes, rhodium isotopes can also be used in radiography and as a tracer in medical imaging. They are also used in small amounts in certain cancer treatments to help target specific cells.