Instructions for Activity 7.3 Radioisotopes
D3.11 Explain radioactive half-life for a given radioisotope, and describe its applications and their consequences.
1. Define radioisotope and radioactive half-life
A radioisotope is an unstable isotope that spontaneously changes its nuclear structure and releases energy in the form of radiation. Half-life is the average length of time it takes radioactive material to decay to half of its original mass.
2. List at least four uses for radioisotopes.
Nuclear Medical Imaging: radioisotopes can be used in nuclear medical imaging. A patient is injected with radioisotopes like technetium-99. These materials emit detectable radiation differently depending on the health of the organ. Images produced can help physicians detect diseases.
Radionuclide Therapy: certain radioactive substances are used to treat various conditions such tumours, bone pain, etc. For example, Iodine-131 can be used to identify and cure hyperthyroidism.…show more content… Research ONE radioisotope and answer the above
