Chapter 24, Problem 93A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Merits and demerits of short half life of radioisotopes used in medical applications are to be stated.

Concept introduction:

In a nuclear reaction, unstable nuclide disintegrates into stable nuclide with emission of various radiations spontaneously. It is called radioactivity of nucleus. Emission of rays like alpha, beta and gamma rays occur in the process which changes the identity of nucleus.

During a nuclear change, an element undergoes change in its atomic mass or atomic number or both by emission of charged particles such as beta particle, alpha particle. Beta particle is one that has unit negative charge and alpha particle is one that has 2 unit positive charges and is equivalent to helium atom ${}_2^4\text{He}$. Emission of proton, beta particle, alpha particle causes a change in atomic number of element.

Answer to Problem 93A

Merit of short half life radioisotope: they decay away in short duration before the radioactive radiation can harm the healthy cells of the body.

Demerit of short half life radioisotope: they tend to act quickly but this can be dangerous as they dose a patient heavily in short duration.

Explanation of Solution

Radioisotopes are used in medical applications like imaging purpose emit gamma rays of sufficient energy which must decay away in shorter duration after imaging or diagnosis is over, so that it doesn’t damage the human body and only reach or affect the targeted part or cells.

Radionuclide with short half-life tends to act quickly but this can be dangerous as they dose a patient heavily in short duration. If not used in calculated dosage, they can be fatal because of their rapid action.

Conclusion

Merit of short half life radioisotope: they decay away in short duration before the radioactive radiation can harm the healthy cells of the body.

Demerit of short half life radioisotope: they tend to act quickly but this can be dangerous as they dose a patient heavily in short duration.