Isomers are nuclides with the same number of neutrons and protons of a given element in different states of excitation. Most of these unstable isomers decay very quickly (~ 10^-12 seconds).
They are characterized in the chemical formula by an m (e.g. Tc-99m).

See also Isomeric Transition.

If a nucleus still has excess energy after attempts of stabilization, it can emit energy without changing the number of protons or neutrons. This process is named isomeric transition. One way of isomeric transition is the emission of a gamma rays, the other competing way is internal conversion, where the excess energy of the nucleus must exceed the binding energy of an electron, which then will be ejected from the atom.

See also Decay, Gamma Radiation and Internal Conversion.

Characterization of atoms by their nuclear properties, as the number of protons and the number of neutrons. The different nuclides of an element are its isotopes (equal proton number, but different neutron numbers). Isomers of this particular nuclide are equal in the proton and mass numbers, but differ in their energy content. Unstable nuclides which are radioactive are called radionuclides.

See also Isotope, Isomer and Decay.

Metastable isomers are produced through nuclear reactions. The excited state of the nucleus will de-excite by emission of gamma rays until the nuclear ground state is reached.
Isotopes in a metastable condition are designated with a 'm', for example 99mTc.

Neutron capture is a process in which a neutron collides with a nucleus and becomes part of this nucleus caused by nuclear forces. It interacts without release of another heavy particle. A gamma ray photon is emitted as an immediate result of the neutron capture process. Through the neutron capture the nucleus becomes a heavier isotope of the same element. The kind of decay depends on the isotope and its stability.
This process is for example part of the neutron activation analysis, in which a sample is positioned in a neutron beam and also used in the 'boron neutron capture therapy'.

See also Thermal Neutrons, Epithermal Neutron, Neutron Activation Analysis, Nuclear Charge Number, Deuteron, Isomeric Transition, Isotones, N P Reaction.