Question

Isotopes find important applications in a variety of areas in the fields of medicine, agriculture, generation of cheaper electricity, industry, radiocarbon dating, etc.

1. Which isotope is used for detecting thyroid disorder?
2. Which isotope is used to monitor the uptake of phosphorus by plants?
3. Which isotopes are used for the generation of cheaper electricity?
4. Which isotope is used to test the complete removal of phosphorus from steel in the manufacture of steel?
5. Which isotope is used for finding the age of a fossil?

Answer 1

1. Isotope ${}_{53}{}^{}\mathrm{I}^{131}$ is used for the detection of thyroid disorder and its treatment.
2. The radioisotope ${}_{15}{}^{}\mathrm{P}^{32}$ is used to monitor the uptake of phosphorus by plants. This is done by incorporating ${}_{15}{}^{}\mathrm{P}^{32}$ in fertilizers and measuring the radioactivity in the plants. This has led to the improvement in the preparation of fertilizers. The radiations from radioisotopes are used to develop disease-free, high-yielding seeds. The radiations from radioisotopes are used for the preservation of foodstuffs such as fruits, potatoes, onions, fish, meat, etc., and for disinfecting food grains.
3. The isotope ${}_{92}{}^{}\mathrm{U}^{235}$ and ${}_{94}{}^{}\mathrm{Pu}^{239}$used as fuel in nuclear reactors for the generation of cheaper electricity by a cleaner method using controlled nuclear reactions a large amount of heat energy generated in these reactions is used to convert water into steam which drives the turbines Of a generator to generate electricity.
4. Isotope ${}_{15}{}^{}\mathrm{P}^{33}$ is used in the manufacturing of steel from cast iron in order to find out the complete removal of phosphorus from steel. For this purpose, cast iron containing a small quantity of ${}_{15}{}^{}\mathrm{P}^{32}$isotope is used. The disappearance of radioactivity in the molten steel indicates the complete removal of phosphorus from the steel. Radioactive isotopes are used to detect minor cracks in underground gas pipelines, pipelines, and water pipelines. A solution of a radioactive substance is introduced in the pipeline. If there is a minor crack in the pipeline, a high level of radiation will be detected at the place of the crack. The wear and tear of engines are found by incorporating a radioactive isotope of metal in the piston and measuring the radioactivity of the lubricating Oil at various intervals of time. The appearance of radioactivity in the lubricating oil gives an indication that the wear and tear of the piston have started.
5. The method of estimating the age of dead objects containing carbon such as fossils and pieces of wood by measuring the amount of the ${}_6{}^{}\mathrm{C}^{14}$ isotope in the dead object relative to that of the Isotope in a living object is called radiocarbon dating.