All radioactive isotopes undergo a process called radioactive decay, during which they transform into more stable elements or isotopes over time. This decay occurs at a specific rate for each isotope, known as its half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.
As radioactive isotopes decay, they can emit various types of radiation, including alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. This process not only results in the transformation of the original isotope into a different element or isotope, but it also has the potential to affect the surrounding environment, depending on the energy and type of radiation emitted.
Eventually, after a series of decay events, all radioactive isotopes will convert into stable, non-radioactive forms. The timeline for this transformation can vary greatly, ranging from fractions of a second for some isotopes to millions of years for others. In essence, while radioactive isotopes may initially pose risks due to their unstable nature, they will ultimately decay into stable forms, effectively disappearing as radioactive entities in the process.