What are the radiological properties of radionuclides?

Radionuclides exhibit distinct radiological properties based on their mode of decay, which can include alpha, beta, or gamma radiation. Alpha emitters tend to have low penetration power and can be stopped by a sheet of paper, while beta particles can penetrate further but are still relatively weak against materials like plastic or aluminum. Gamma rays, on the other hand, are highly penetrating electromagnetic radiation that requires dense materials like lead for effective shielding. Additionally, the half-life of radionuclides determines the duration of their radioactivity and influences their applications in fields such as medicine and energy.