Pharmaceuticals (FINAL) Flashcards
What is an atom composed of?
A nucleus at the center and one or more electrons rotating around it.
What does the nucleus of an atom contain?
Protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons.
What is the atomic number (Z)?
The number of protons in a nucleus.
What is denoted by N in an atomic nucleus?
The number of neutrons.
What is the mass number (A)?
The total number of nucleons (protons + neutrons) in a nucleus, A=Z+NA =
Z + NA=Z+N.
If aluminum has an atomic weight of 27 and 14 neutrons, what is its atomic number?
13 (since Z=A−NZ = A - NZ=A−N).
What is a nuclide?
An atomic species characterized by its specific number of protons (Z), neutrons (N), and nuclear energy state.
What is a radionuclide?
An unstable or radioactive nuclide that decays by spontaneous fission, α-particle, β-particle, or γ-ray emission.
Define isotopes.
Atoms of the same element with different atomic weights; same Z but different N.
What are isobars?
Atoms with the same atomic weight (A) but different atomic numbers (Z).
Define isotones.
Atoms with the same number of neutrons (N) but different elements.
What is radioactivity?
The phenomenon where one nuclide transforms into another with the emission of energy as radiation.
What is a nuclear equation?
A representation that summarizes a nuclear reaction, balancing mass and atomic numbers on both sides.
What is the difference between stable isotopes and radioisotopes?
Stable isotopes do not change over time; radioisotopes decay over time.
What is the SI unit for radioactivity?
Becquerel (Bq), which equals one disintegration per second.
What processes can radionuclides undergo during decay?
Spontaneous fission, α-decay, β-decay, β+ decay, electron capture, and isomeric transition (IT).
Describe β- decay.
A neutron transforms into a proton, releasing an electron (negatron) and an antineutrino.
What happens during α-decay?
A heavy nucleus releases an α particle (two protons and two neutrons).
What occurs during β+ decay?
A proton transforms into a neutron, releasing a positron and a neutrino.
What is electron capture?
An electron is captured, converting a proton into a neutron and releasing a neutrino.
What is isomeric transition (IT)?
A nucleus in an excited state releases a γ-ray to transition to a lower energy state.
What is a radiopharmaceutical?
A radioactive compound used for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, primarily for diagnosis.
Define half-life (t1/2).
The time required for a radioisotope to reduce its initial radioactivity to half.
What is Radiogardase®?
An FDA-approved oral medication for internal radiation contamination, containing Prussian blue.
