Question

Give important application of isotopes.

Answer 1

Applications of Radioactive Isotopes :

1. In agriculture: Certain elements such as boron, cobalt, copper, manganese, zinc, and molybdenum are necessary for very minute quantities for plant nutrition. By radioactive isotopes, we can identify the presence and requirement of these elements in the nutrition of plants.
2. In industry: Isotopes are used for coating the arm of the clock to see in the dark. To identify the cracks in metal casting.
3. In medicine: Thyroid, bone diseases, brain tumors, and cancer are controlled or destroyed with the help of radioactive isotope ${}_{11}{}^{}\mathrm{Na}^{24},{}_{53}{}^{}{\mathrm{{\rm I}}}^{131},{}_{35}{}^{}\mathrm{P}^{53}\mathrm{etc}.$
4. Determination of the mechanism of the chemical reaction by replacing an atom or molecule with its isotopes.
5. In carbon dating: Will and Libby (1960) developed the technique of radiocarbon to determine the age of the plant, fossil, and archeological sample.
6. Isotopes (Like Uranium-238) are used in Nuclear reactors to produce energy and power.