Question

What are radioactive isotopes ? Mention its ap­plications.

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 known as radioactive isotopes.
2. All chemical element has one or more radioactive isotopes.
3. Examples of radioactive isotopes: Carbon$-14$, Uranium$-235$, Sodium$-24$, Iodine$-131$, etc.

Applications of radioactive isotopes:

Radioactive isotopes in medicine:

1. Iodine$-131$ is effective in locating brain tumors and in determining liver and thyroid activity.
2. Carbon$-14$ is useful in studying abnormality of metabolism that underlie diabetes, gout and anemia.
3. Arsenic$-74$ tracer is useful to detect the presence of tumors.
4. Sodium$-24$ tracer is helpful in detecting the presence of blood clots.
5. Cobalt$-60$ is employed as a radiation source to arrest the development of cancer.

Radioactive isotopes in nuclear power plants:

Uranium$-235$ is used as a fuel in nuclear reactors of nuclear power plants for generating electricity.

Radioactive isotope in industries:

Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, is used to identify the leaks in underground water pipes.