1.1 Radioisotopes Flashcards
What is a radioisotope?
A radioactive isotope of an element.
True or False: Radioisotopes have unstable atomic nuclei.
True
How is the half-life of a radioisotope defined?
The time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample to decay.
What is the unit of measurement used for the half-life of radioisotopes?
Seconds, minutes, hours, days, or years.
What is the primary medical use of radioisotopes?
Imaging and treatment of diseases like cancer.
What is the primary agricultural use of radioisotopes?
To study plant uptake of nutrients and water.
What is the main benefit of using radioisotopes in industry?
To monitor and control industrial processes.
How does the use of radioisotopes contribute to environmental research?
By tracking the movement of pollutants in ecosystems.
True or False: Radioisotopes can be used in dating archaeological artifacts.
True
What is the most common radioisotope used in carbon dating?
Carbon-14.
How do scientists determine the age of an object using carbon dating?
By measuring the amount of Carbon-14 remaining in the sample.
What is the approximate half-life of Carbon-14?
5,730 years.
Which radioisotope is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism?
Iodine-131.
How is Iodine-131 administered for hyperthyroidism treatment?
As a radioactive capsule or liquid.
What is the main advantage of using radioisotopes in medical imaging?
They provide detailed information about the body’s structure and function.
Which radioisotope is commonly used in PET scans?
Fluorine-18.
What is the primary drawback of using radioisotopes in medical applications?
Potential radiation exposure to patients and healthcare workers.
How do scientists create radioisotopes for various applications?
By bombarding stable isotopes with particles in a nuclear reactor or particle accelerator.
What is the primary concern when handling and storing radioisotopes?
Ensuring proper containment to prevent radiation exposure.
True or False: Radioisotopes can be used to sterilize medical equipment.
True
What is the main advantage of using radioisotopes for sterilization?
They can penetrate materials to kill bacteria and viruses.
Which radioisotope is commonly used in food irradiation?
Cobalt-60.
How does Cobalt-60 help in food preservation?
By killing bacteria, insects, and parasites to extend shelf life.
What is the primary safety concern when using radioisotopes in food irradiation?
Ensuring proper dosage levels to prevent harm to consumers.
