Thorium-234 is a radioactive isotope of thorium, which is a naturally occurring element found in soil and rocks. It has a half-life of about 24 days, meaning it takes this amount of time for half of a sample to decay. Thorium-234 is produced through the decay of uranium-238 and is part of the uranium-thorium decay series. As a decay product, Thorium-234 eventually transforms into protactinium-234, which further decays into uranium-234. This process is significant in nuclear chemistry and helps scientists understand the behavior of radioactive materials in the environment. Its presence can be detected in various geological and environmental studies.