Question

What is the use of radioisotopes in the medical field?

Answer 1

Hint: A radionuclide is an unstable atom with excess nuclear energy. This excess energy can be emitted as gamma radiation from the nucleus, transferred to one of its electrons and released as a conversion electron, or used to create and emit a new particle from the nucleus.

Complete answer:
The unstable nucleus of a radioisotope can occur naturally or as a result of atomic manipulation. In some cases, a nuclear reactor is used to generate radioisotopes, while in others, a cyclotron is used. Nuclear reactors are better suited to producing neutron-rich radioisotopes like molybdenum-99, whereas cyclotrons are better suited to producing proton-rich radioisotopes like fluorine-18.

Uranium is the most well-known naturally occurring radioisotope. Except for 0.7%, all naturally occurring uranium is uranium-238; the remainder is the less stable, or more radioactive, uranium-235, which has three fewer neutrons in its nucleus.

Atoms with an unstable nucleus regain stability by emitting radiation, which contains excess particles and energy. The process of releasing radiation is known as radioactive decay. Each radioisotope's radioactive decay process is unique and is measured by a period known as a half-life. One half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of the unstable atoms to decay radioactively.

- Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiotherapy in which a radiation source is placed inside or near the area to be treated. Brachytherapy entails precisely placing short-range radioisotopes directly at the site of the cancerous tumour.
- Iodine-123 is commonly used to diagnose thyroid disorders as well as other metabolic disorders, including brain function.
- When injected with monoclonal antibodies into a cancer patient, copper-67 aids the antibodies in binding to and destroying the tumour.
- Iodine-131 is a radioactive isotope that is used to treat thyroid disorders. ((Graves' disease))

Note: Atoms with an unstable nucleus regain stability by emitting radiation, which contains excess particles and energy. The process of releasing radiation is known as radioactive decay. Each radioisotope's radioactive decay process is unique and is measured by a period known as a half-life. One half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of the unstable atoms to decay radioactively.