Question

Which of the following radioactive isotope is used in the detection of thyroid cancer?
A. Iodine-131 
B. Carbon-14
C. Uranium-238    
D. Phosphorus-32

Answer 1

Hint: Isotopes are atoms of a similar element that have various numbers of neutrons but a similar number of electrons and protons. Radioactive (unstable) isotopes contain nuclei that spontaneously decay over time to make other isotopes.
Complete Step-by-step answer:
The most commonly used iodine radioisotope, iodine-131, emits radiation in the form of average energy gamma rays and beta elements, which interrupts molecules in cells and deposit energy in tissues, causing damage.
I-131 is used in medicine for diagnosing and treating cancers of the thyroid gland. I-131 is produced commercially for medical and industrial purposes over nuclear fission. It also is a by-product of nuclear fission processes in weapons testing and nuclear reactors.
Carbon-14 is the longest-lived radioactive isotope of carbon, whose decomposition permits precise dating of archaeological artefacts. The carbon-14 nucleus contains eight neutrons and six protons, for an atomic mass of 14.
Uranium-238 (U-238), is the most widespread isotope of uranium found in nature. Once hit by a neutron, it turns into U-239 (uranium-239), an unstable element that breaks down into Np-239 (neptunium-239), which then itself decomposes, with a half-life of 2.355 days, into Pu-239 (plutonium-239).
Phosphorus-32 is useful in the detection of malignant tumours because cancerous cells are prone to accumulate phosphates more than normal cells do.
Therefore the correct answer is Option A.
Note: I-131 can modify directly from a solid into a gas, skipping liquid form, in a process known as sublimation. I-131 is easily dissolved in alcohol or water. I-131 readily coordinates with other elements and does not remain in its pure form as soon as it is released into the environment.