1.1 Radioisotopes

Question 1

What is a radioisotope?

Answer 1

A radioactive isotope of an element.

Question 2

True or False: Radioisotopes have unstable atomic nuclei.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

How is the half-life of a radioisotope defined?

Answer 3

The time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample to decay.

Question 4

What is the unit of measurement used for the half-life of radioisotopes?

Answer 4

Seconds, minutes, hours, days, or years.

Question 5

What is the primary medical use of radioisotopes?

Answer 5

Imaging and treatment of diseases like cancer.

Question 6

What is the primary agricultural use of radioisotopes?

Answer 6

To study plant uptake of nutrients and water.

Question 7

What is the main benefit of using radioisotopes in industry?

Answer 7

To monitor and control industrial processes.

Question 8

How does the use of radioisotopes contribute to environmental research?

Answer 8

By tracking the movement of pollutants in ecosystems.

Question 9

True or False: Radioisotopes can be used in dating archaeological artifacts.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

What is the most common radioisotope used in carbon dating?

Answer 10

Carbon-14.

Question 11

How do scientists determine the age of an object using carbon dating?

Answer 11

By measuring the amount of Carbon-14 remaining in the sample.

Question 12

What is the approximate half-life of Carbon-14?

Answer 12

5,730 years.

Question 13

Which radioisotope is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism?

Answer 13

Iodine-131.

Question 14

How is Iodine-131 administered for hyperthyroidism treatment?

Answer 14

As a radioactive capsule or liquid.

Question 15

What is the main advantage of using radioisotopes in medical imaging?

Answer 15

They provide detailed information about the body’s structure and function.

Question 16

Which radioisotope is commonly used in PET scans?

Answer 16

Fluorine-18.

Question 17

What is the primary drawback of using radioisotopes in medical applications?

Answer 17

Potential radiation exposure to patients and healthcare workers.

Question 18

How do scientists create radioisotopes for various applications?

Answer 18

By bombarding stable isotopes with particles in a nuclear reactor or particle accelerator.

Question 19

What is the primary concern when handling and storing radioisotopes?

Answer 19

Ensuring proper containment to prevent radiation exposure.

Question 20

True or False: Radioisotopes can be used to sterilize medical equipment.

Answer 20

True

Question 21

What is the main advantage of using radioisotopes for sterilization?

Answer 21

They can penetrate materials to kill bacteria and viruses.

Question 22

Which radioisotope is commonly used in food irradiation?

Answer 22

Cobalt-60.

Question 23

How does Cobalt-60 help in food preservation?

Answer 23

By killing bacteria, insects, and parasites to extend shelf life.

Question 24

What is the primary safety concern when using radioisotopes in food irradiation?

Answer 24

Ensuring proper dosage levels to prevent harm to consumers.