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The different forms of an element are called isotopes. Each isotope has the same number of protons in its nucleus, but differing numbers of neutrons. This difference causes an instability in the nucleus and leads to some of them breaking down into other elements and emitting radiation (called radioactive decay). Cobalt has only one natural isotope, 50Co, which is completely stable. All others are produced by neutron bombardment in a reactor. These others are very radioactive and are used as gamma ray sources in quite a few industries and systems.

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16y ago

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