A radioisotope is a variant of a chemical element that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation as it decays. This process can produce different types of radiation, including alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays. Radioisotopes are used in various fields, including medicine, where they can help in diagnosing and treating diseases, such as cancer. In addition to medical applications, radioisotopes are also utilized in scientific research, industry, and agriculture. For example, carbon-14 is a radioisotope used in dating ancient organic materials, while cobalt-60 is used in radiation therapy and sterilization processes.