Chapter 24, Problem 73A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The property of an isotope which makes radiotracers useful in studying chemical reactions is to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Two or more elements with the same atomic number but different mass number are isotopes of each other.

Answer to Problem 73A

Isotopes have same chemical properties regardless of their mass number. This property allows radiotracers to be useful in studying chemical reactions as they can be used in place of their non-radioactive isotopes and tracked using their radioactive emissions.

Explanation of Solution

In radioactive tracing, the compound to be traced is replaced with its radioisotope. Since isotopes have same chemical properties(due to having same atomic number and electronic configuration), the reaction does not change but the activity of the radioisotope can be tracked by its emissions which is not possible in the case of non-radioactive isotopes.