Question

Name the isotope used in the treatment of cancer.

Answer 1

Radioactive isotopes:

1. The isotopes whose nuclei are unstable and dissipate excess energy by spontaneously emitting radiations in the form of alpha, beta and gamma rays are called radioactive isotopes.
2. All chemical element has one or more radioactive isotopes.

Isotope used in the treatment of cancer:

1. Cobalt$-60$ is the radioactive isotope used to arrest the development of cancer.
2. The treatment of cancer using radioactive Cobalt$-60$ isotope is known as radiotherapy.
3. In radiotherapy, highly energetic gamma radiations from Cobalt$-60$ are directed to cancerous cell to burn the cells.