Radioisotope questions

What is beta decay, and what is emitted during this process?

A type of radioactive decay where a nucleus emits beta particles (high-energy electrons) to become more stable.

What are beta particles, and how much can they penetrate?

High-energy electrons released from a decaying nucleus. They penetrate more than alpha particles but can be stopped by skin or plastic.

What is alpha radiation, and what does it release?

The emission of alpha particles from an unstable nucleus.

What are alpha particles made of, and how do they compare in penetration to beta particles?

Made of 2 protons and 2 neutrons (same as a helium nucleus). They have low penetration and can be stopped by paper or skin.

What are gamma rays, and what makes them different from alpha and beta radiation?

High-energy electromagnetic radiation with deep penetration; can pass through tissue and is only stopped by lead or thick concrete.

Which types of radiation are particles, and which are waves?

Alpha and beta are particles. Gamma rays are waves.

Which radiation type has the highest energy and deepest penetration?

Gamma rays have the highest energy and deepest penetration.

Which radiation type can be stopped by paper, skin, or lead respectively?

Alpha is stopped by paper/skin, beta is stopped by plastic/skin, and gamma needs lead or concrete.

What is Carbon-14 used for?

To determine the age of once-living materials (radiocarbon dating).

Describe how radiocarbon dating works.

Scientists measure how much C-14 remains and compare it to the original amount to estimate how long ago the organism died.

Why does the amount of Carbon-14 in an organism decrease after death?

Living things constantly take in carbon; once dead, intake stops and C-14 decays over time.

Into what element does Carbon-14 decay, and by which process?

C-14 decays into N-14 through beta decay.

What is the maximum age range that Carbon-14 dating can accurately measure?

Accurate up to about 50,000 years.

Why is Carbon-14 important to scientists and historians?

Provides accurate timelines of history, environmental changes, and climate patterns.

What type of radiation or decay does Carbon-14 produce?

Beta decay that emits beta particles.

What is Copper-67 mainly used for in medicine?

Used in nuclear medicine for targeted radiotherapy to treat cancer.

How does Copper-67 target and destroy cancer cells?

It attaches to molecules that seek out cancer cells and delivers radiation directly to them.

Why is Copper-67 safe for healthy tissue during treatment?

Its beta particles travel only short distances in tissue.

What kind of particle does Copper-67 emit?

Beta particles.

What is the lifespan/half-life of Copper-67, and why is this helpful in medicine?

About 61–62 hours, which limits long-term radiation exposure.

What is another copper isotope used in medicine, and how is it used differently?

Cu-64, used for medical imaging, not treatment.

Is Radium-226 naturally occurring or artificially made?

Naturally occurring isotope of radium.

What types of radiation does Radium-226 emit as it decays?

Emits alpha particles and gamma rays.

What element and gas does it decay into over time?

Ra-226 decays into radon gas and then eventually lead.

Why is Radium-226 dangerous when ingested?

Absorbed by intestines, stored in bones, which can cause internal radiation damage.

What were two past and current uses of Radium-226?

Used in targeted cancer therapy and formerly in luminous paint for watch dials (discontinued).

What happens when Radium-226 is mixed with zinc sulphide?

When mixed, it creates glowing paint.

Explain why the radiation from Radium-226 can be both beneficial and harmful.

Beneficial for targeted cancer therapy, but harmful due to radiation exposure damaging living tissue.

What is the approximate half-life of Radium-226?

Around 1600 years.

What is Cesium-137 used for in cancer treatment?

Used in radiation therapy devices to treat cancer.

What types of radiation does it emit?

Emits beta particles and gamma rays.

How does Cesium-137 kill cancer cells?

Implanted into tumors—radiation damages and kills cancer cells.

Besides medicine, what industrial uses does Cesium-137 have?

Used in industrial gauges to measure liquid flow and material thickness.

How does its radiation increase the survival rate of cancer patients?

Improves cancer survival rates by destroying tumor cells.

Which isotopes release beta particles?

Carbon-14, Copper-67, Cesium-137.

Which isotope releases alpha particles?

Radium-226.

Which isotopes release gamma rays?

Radium-226, Cesium-137.

Which isotopes are used in medical imaging or therapy?

Cu-67 for targeted radiotherapy, Cu-64 for imaging, Cs-137 for radiation therapy, Ra-226 for older cancer treatments.

Which isotope is used to determine the age of once-living materials?

Carbon-14.

Which isotopes are natural vs. artificially produced?

Natural: Carbon-14, Radium-226; Artificial: Copper-67, Cesium-137.

Which isotope has the longest half-life, and which has the shortest?

Longest: Radium-226 (1600 years); Shortest: Copper-67 (~61 hours).

Explain why Carbon-14 is safe for use in dating, while Radium-226 is dangerous to handle.

C-14 emits weak beta radiation used in tiny amounts; Ra-226 emits strong alpha and gamma radiation that can cause internal damage.

Compare the type of decay and use for C-14, Cu-67, Ra-226, and Cs-137.

C-14: beta decay, used for dating; Cu-67: beta decay, used for therapy; Ra-226: alpha decay, used for therapy; Cs-137: beta/gamma decay, used for therapy.