What term describes the rate at which radioactive isotopes emit energy?

The term that accurately describes the rate at which radioactive isotopes emit energy is "decay rate." This term refers to the speed at which the isotopes transform into a more stable form, releasing energy in the process. The decay rate is essential in understanding the behavior of radionuclides as they transition from unstable to stable states.

"Half-life," while related, specifically defines the time required for half of the radioactive sample to decay, rather than indicating the continuous rate of energy emission. "Rate of decay" might seem similar to "decay rate," but it is less commonly used in scientific discussion and doesn't capture the precise definition. "Emission rate" is broader and not exclusively associated with radioactive decay processes. Each of these terms relates to radioactivity, but decay rate is the most accurate for describing how quickly energy is emitted by radioactive isotopes.