Question

Why do we usually use isotopes emitting gamma radiations as radioactive tracers in medical science?

• A. Gamma radiations are most penetrating
• B. Gamma radiations are least penetrating
• C. Gamma radiations are not penetrating
• D. None the above

Answer 1

The correct option is A Gamma radiations are most penetrating

A radioactive tracer, or radioactive label, is a chemical compound in which one or more atoms have been replaced by a radioisotope so by virtue of its radioactive decay, it can be used to explore the mechanism of chemical reactions by tracing the path that the radioisotope follows from reactants to products. Radio-labeling is thus the radioactive form of isotopic labeling.

Gamma radiations are most penetrating, so can be used to fully trace the path without being stopped in between.