What does a higher half-life indicate about a radioactive element?

A higher half-life indicates that a radioactive element is more stable. The concept of half-life refers to the time it takes for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay into another element or isotope. A longer half-life means that the decay process occurs more slowly, implying that the element remains radioactive and in its original form for an extended period of time. This stability is a reflection of the force holding the atomic nucleus together; elements with longer half-lives tend to have a lower probability of decaying over short time intervals.

In contrast, elements with shorter half-lives decay more rapidly, making them less stable, as they transform into other substances in a shorter timeframe. Thus, a longer half-life clearly conveys more stability in the radioactive element's composition.