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Radioisotopes
RADIOISOTOPES: Radioactive isotopes – isotopes that are unstable
Benefits of radioisotopes:
• Used as tracers (to follow a chemical/biologic reaction)
C-14
• Medical purposes – to treat and diagnose
These radioisotopes should have a short half-life that
allow them to be eliminated from the body quickly.
a. Tc-99: Used for finding brain tumors
b. I-131: Used to diagnose and treat thyroid problems c. Ra and Co-60: Used for cancer treatments
Thyroid is diagnosed and
treated with I-131.
• Food storage – radioisotopes kill bacteria and mold
Remember the examples of the radioisotopes and what they’re used for.
UNIT 12: NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY © 506
