The radioactive isotope I-131 is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. When administered to a patient, I-131 accumulates in the thyroid gland, where it decays and kills part of that gland. (a) Suppose that it takes 72 hours to ship I-131 from the producer to the hospital. What percentage of the original amount shipped actually arrives at the hospital? (See Exercise 7.) (b) If the I-131 is stored at the hospital for an additional 48 hours before it is used, how much of the original amount shipped from the producer is left when it is used? (c) How long will it take for the I-131 to decay completely so that the remnants can be thrown away without special precautions?

Chemistry: The Molecular Science
5th Edition
ISBN:9781285199047
Author:John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Publisher:John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Chapter18: Nuclear Chemistry
Section18.4: Rates Of Disintegration Reactions
Problem 18.6E
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The radioactive isotope I-131 is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. When
administered to a patient, I-131 accumulates in the thyroid gland, where it decays
and kills part of that gland.
(a) Suppose that it takes 72 hours to ship I-131 from the producer to the hospital.
What percentage of the original amount shipped actually arrives at the hospital?
(See Exercise 7.)
(b) If the I-131 is stored at the hospital for an additional 48 hours before it is used,
how much of the original amount shipped from the producer is left when it is
used?
(c) How long will it take for the I-131 to decay completely so that the remnants
can be thrown away without special precautions?

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