Chapter 19.2, Problem 3RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The half lives of tracers need to be compared to carbon 14 and reasons are to be given for the above tracers being better in medical applications.

Concept Introduction: Radioactive tracers are elements which can be traced using their radioactive emissions are used to track various chemical and biological processes.

Answer to Problem 3RQ

The half lives of tracers is pretty small when compared to carbon-14 which is 5730 years. They are better in medical applications than carbon because they will decay faster than carbon 14 in less time and can be tracked more easily.

Explanation of Solution

Since the half life of carbon 14 is so large, a very small amount of carbon 14 will decay in a few hours which will be difficult to trace. On the other hand, the above-mentioned nuclides have a small half life of a few days so their decay will be greater and easier to track. Since most medical and biological reactions last up to a few hours, these nuclides will be far better tracers than carbon 14.