The radioactive isotope I-131is 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. Consider the half-life of 8 days. 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. b) If the I-131 is stored at the hospital for an addition 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 for Engineering Students
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Chapter14: Nuclear Chemistry
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The radioactive isotope I-131is 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. Consider the half-life of 8 days.
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.
b) If the I-131 is stored at the hospital for an addition 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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