What is the main difference between an isotope and a radioisotope?

The main difference between an isotope and a radioisotope lies in their stability and propensity to undergo radioactive decay. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons, which can lead to variations in atomic mass. Some of these isotopes are stable, meaning they do not undergo decay over time, while others, classified as radioisotopes, are unstable and do decay, emitting radiation in the process.

This distinction is crucial because radioisotopes can be used in various applications, such as medical imaging and cancer treatment, due to their radioactive properties. Understanding this difference is fundamental in fields like radiology, nuclear medicine, and laboratory animal science, where precise knowledge about isotopes and radioisotopes is essential for research and medical practices.

The other choices provide incorrect descriptions of isotopes and radioisotopes, such as implying that all isotopes are radioactive or suggesting that isotopes are artificial, which does not reflect the true nature of these atomic variants.