Intro to Nuclear Medicine

What is the process called when a neutron in a nucleus converts into a proton and emits an electron and antineutrino?

β− decay

What type of decay occurs when a proton in a nucleus converts into a neutron and emits a positron and a neutrino?

β+ decay

What is the process called when a nucleus emits a neutron directly?

Neutron emission

What type of decay occurs when a nucleus captures an orbital electron and converts a proton into a neutron, emitting a neutrino?

Electron capture Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a nucleus having a low N/Z ratio?

Proton-rich nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a nucleus emitting a proton directly?

More stable nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What type of decay has a competing process to β− decay?

Neutron emission decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the change in atomic mass number A in neutron emission decay?

Decreases by 1 Signup and view all the answers

What type of radiolabels are used for positron emission tomography (PET)?

Positron emitters Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of lithium-5 decaying into helium-4 through proton emission?

10^(-21) s Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a proton is emitted from a nucleus?

The atomic number Z decreases Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of helium-5 decaying into helium-4 through neutron emission?

8×10^(-22) s Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect on atomic number Z and atomic mass number A in proton emission decay?

Z decreases by 1, and A decreases by 1 Signup and view all the answers

What type of decay is more common than proton emission decay?

β+ decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect on the number of neutrons in proton emission decay?

The number of neutrons remains the same Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the emission of an electron from the outermost shell of an atom?

Electron capture Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect on the stability of a nucleus in proton emission decay?

The nucleus becomes more stable Signup and view all the answers

What type of nuclides are likely to undergo proton emission decay?

Heavy, very proton-rich nuclides Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the unstability of a nucleus with a low N/Z ratio?

The number of protons is greater than the number of neutrons. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nuclei is likely to be stable?

A nucleus with 20 protons and 20 neutrons. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that determines the type of decay process a radionuclide will undergo?

The N/Z ratio of the nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a nucleus having a high N/Z ratio?

The nucleus is less stable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nuclei is most likely to undergo a decay process?

A nucleus with 20 protons and 30 neutrons. Signup and view all the answers

What type of decay competes with α decay in very large atomic mass number nuclides?

Spontaneous fission Signup and view all the answers

What type of radiopharmaceutical decay is characterized by the emission of pure gamma rays with no subsequent change in the nucleus?

Ideal gamma decay Signup and view all the answers

What type of decay results in a transformation of a neutron into a proton?

β− decay Signup and view all the answers

What type of nuclides are likely to undergo β decay?

Neutron-rich nuclides Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of an ideal radiopharmaceutical in terms of its physical half-life?

It should be very short Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation on the creation of new elements with high atomic numbers?

Spontaneous fission Signup and view all the answers

Which type of decay is most likely to occur in very proton-rich nuclides?

Proton emission Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of spontaneous fission in terms of atomic number and atomic mass number?

Z decreases, A decreases Signup and view all the answers

Which type of decay is a competing process to alpha decay in terms of nuclear stability?

Spontaneous fission Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the parent and daughter nuclides in proton emission decay?

Isotones Signup and view all the answers

What is an ideal characteristic of a radiopharmaceutical?

Having a high activity per unit mass Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a nucleus emits a gamma ray?

No change in the atomic number or atomic mass Signup and view all the answers

Which isotope is more likely to be radioactive?

Astatine-210 Signup and view all the answers

What is a desirable property of a radiopharmaceutical?

Being able to localize quickly at the target site Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of an ideal radiopharmaceutical?

Decaying into a more stable daughter nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the condition required for beta decay to occur?

The binding energy of the parent nucleus exceeds the binding energy of the daughter nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using radionuclides decaying by β− decay in medicine?

For external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the decay of an unstable daughter nucleus formed through beta decay?

It emits gamma-ray photons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following radionuclides is commonly used for radiotherapy?

Cobalt 60 Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a parent nucleus undergoes beta decay?

It converts into an excited daughter nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of the excited daughter nucleus formed through beta decay?

It decays into its ground state Signup and view all the answers

Why is beta decay possible in certain nuclei?

Because the binding energy of the daughter nucleus exceeds the binding energy of the parent nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of cobalt 60?

5.26 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of beta decay in medicine?

It produces gamma-ray photons Signup and view all the answers

What is the process involved in the decay of an unstable daughter nucleus formed through beta decay?

Emission of gamma-ray photons Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for radioactive decay in unstable nuclei?

To reach a more stable nuclear configuration Signup and view all the answers

Which type of decay involves the emission of heavier nuclei?

Spontaneous fission Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a nucleus with a high N/Z ratio?

Neutron rich Signup and view all the answers

Which type of decay involves the emission of α particles?

Alpha decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the general trend for N/Z in low atomic number elements?

N/Z is approximately equal to 1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a nucleus having an extremely high N/Z ratio?

It emits a neutron directly Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the α-particle emitted in α decay?

It has a very stable configuration Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of β+ decay in a nucleus?

The number of protons increases by 1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between β− decay and electron capture?

One involves conversion of a proton to a neutron and the other involves conversion of a neutron to a proton Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a nucleus having a low N/Z ratio?

It decays through electron capture Signup and view all the answers

Above which nucleon number A does a stable nucleus typically require more neutrons than protons?

40 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the instability of an atomic nucleus?

An imbalance between the number of protons and neutrons Signup and view all the answers

Which type of decay involves the emission of a positron and a neutrino?

Beta+ decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a nucleus emitting an alpha particle?

A decrease in both atomic number and atomic mass number Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a nucleus with a high N/Z ratio?

It is likely to be highly unstable and undergo radioactive decay Signup and view all the answers

For which nuclides is spontaneous fission a possible decay process?

Those with a large atomic mass number (A > 230) Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of proton emission decay in terms of atomic number?

Atomic number decreases by 1 Signup and view all the answers

Which type of decay is characterized by the emission of alpha particles?

Alpha decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the transformation that occurs in β- decay?

A proton is converted into a neutron Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a slight imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus?

The nucleus undergoes beta decay Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a nucleus with a high N/Z ratio?

It is likely to undergo beta decay Signup and view all the answers

What type of decay involves the emission of a positron and a neutrino?

Beta plus decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the competing process to alpha decay in terms of nuclear stability?

Spontaneous fission Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a nucleus emits a gamma ray?

There is no change in the nucleus Signup and view all the answers

Which type of decay is more likely to occur in very proton-rich nuclides?

Proton emission Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of spontaneous fission in terms of atomic number and atomic mass number?

A decrease in both atomic number and atomic mass number Signup and view all the answers

In which type of decay does a proton change into a neutron, emitting a positron and a neutrino?

Beta+ decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of alpha decay in terms of the nucleus?

A decrease in atomic number and atomic mass number Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the instability of a nucleus with a high N/Z ratio?

An excess of neutrons Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of proton emission decay in terms of the nucleus?

No change in atomic number and a decrease in atomic mass number Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of spontaneous fission on the half-life of a nucleus with a high atomic mass number?

It decreases the half-life Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a proton is emitted from a radionuclide in proton emission decay?

The atomic number Z decreases by 1 Signup and view all the answers

Which type of decay is a competing process to alpha decay in very large atomic mass number nuclides?

Spontaneous fission Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of proton emission decay in terms of the parent and daughter nuclei?

The parent and daughter are isotones Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation on the creation of new elements with high atomic numbers?

Spontaneous fission Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a nucleus having a high N/Z ratio in terms of stability?

It is less stable and undergoes β+ decay Signup and view all the answers

Which type of decay conserves the number of protons and neutrons?

α decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of a direct emission of a neutron from a nucleus?

The nucleus becomes more stable Signup and view all the answers

What is the process involved in β− decay?

Conversion of a neutron into a proton and emission of an electron and antineutrino Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a nucleus having an extremely low N/Z ratio?

It undergoes electron capture Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary condition for β decay to occur in a nucleus?

The binding energy of the daughter nucleus exceeds the binding energy of the parent nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of β− decay in medicine?

The parent nuclide decays into an excited daughter nuclide, which then decays into its ground state, emitting γ-ray photons Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the cobalt 60 radionuclide used in radiotherapy?

It has a half-life of 5.26 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of the excited daughter nucleus formed through beta decay?

It decays into its ground state, emitting γ-ray photons or internal conversion electrons Signup and view all the answers

What is the competing process to β− decay in terms of nuclear stability?

Electron capture Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a nucleus having a high N/Z ratio?

The nucleus is less stable and may undergo β− decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when a nucleus captures an orbital electron and converts a proton into a neutron, emitting a neutrino?

Electron capture Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of a nucleus with a low N/Z ratio?

The nucleus is less stable and may undergo β+ decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the instability of an atomic nucleus?

An imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when a proton in a nucleus converts into a neutron and emits a positron and a neutrino?

Beta plus decay Signup and view all the answers

Intro to Nuclear Medicine

Questions and Answers

What is the process called when a neutron in a nucleus converts into a proton and emits an electron and antineutrino?

What type of decay occurs when a proton in a nucleus converts into a neutron and emits a positron and a neutrino?

What is the process called when a nucleus emits a neutron directly?

What type of decay occurs when a nucleus captures an orbital electron and converts a proton into a neutron, emitting a neutrino?

What is the result of a nucleus having a low N/Z ratio?

What is the result of a nucleus emitting a proton directly?

What type of decay has a competing process to β− decay?

What is the change in atomic mass number A in neutron emission decay?

What type of radiolabels are used for positron emission tomography (PET)?

What is the half-life of lithium-5 decaying into helium-4 through proton emission?

What occurs when a proton is emitted from a nucleus?

What is the half-life of helium-5 decaying into helium-4 through neutron emission?

What is the effect on atomic number Z and atomic mass number A in proton emission decay?

What type of decay is more common than proton emission decay?

What is the effect on the number of neutrons in proton emission decay?

What is the term for the emission of an electron from the outermost shell of an atom?

What is the effect on the stability of a nucleus in proton emission decay?

What type of nuclides are likely to undergo proton emission decay?

What is the primary reason for the unstability of a nucleus with a low N/Z ratio?

Which of the following nuclei is likely to be stable?

What is the main factor that determines the type of decay process a radionuclide will undergo?

What is the result of a nucleus having a high N/Z ratio?

Which of the following nuclei is most likely to undergo a decay process?

What type of decay competes with α decay in very large atomic mass number nuclides?

What type of radiopharmaceutical decay is characterized by the emission of pure gamma rays with no subsequent change in the nucleus?

What type of decay results in a transformation of a neutron into a proton?

What type of nuclides are likely to undergo β decay?

What is a characteristic of an ideal radiopharmaceutical in terms of its physical half-life?

What is the primary limitation on the creation of new elements with high atomic numbers?

Which type of decay is most likely to occur in very proton-rich nuclides?

What is the result of spontaneous fission in terms of atomic number and atomic mass number?

Which type of decay is a competing process to alpha decay in terms of nuclear stability?

What is the relationship between the parent and daughter nuclides in proton emission decay?

What is an ideal characteristic of a radiopharmaceutical?

What occurs when a nucleus emits a gamma ray?

Which isotope is more likely to be radioactive?

What is a desirable property of a radiopharmaceutical?

What is a characteristic of an ideal radiopharmaceutical?

What is the condition required for beta decay to occur?

What is the purpose of using radionuclides decaying by β− decay in medicine?

What is the outcome of the decay of an unstable daughter nucleus formed through beta decay?

Which of the following radionuclides is commonly used for radiotherapy?

What occurs when a parent nucleus undergoes beta decay?

What is the fate of the excited daughter nucleus formed through beta decay?

Why is beta decay possible in certain nuclei?

What is the half-life of cobalt 60?

What is the outcome of beta decay in medicine?

What is the process involved in the decay of an unstable daughter nucleus formed through beta decay?

What is the primary reason for radioactive decay in unstable nuclei?

Which type of decay involves the emission of heavier nuclei?

What is the characteristic of a nucleus with a high N/Z ratio?

Which type of decay involves the emission of α particles?

What is the general trend for N/Z in low atomic number elements?

What is the result of a nucleus having an extremely high N/Z ratio?

What is the characteristic of the α-particle emitted in α decay?

What is the result of β+ decay in a nucleus?

What is the difference between β− decay and electron capture?

What is the result of a nucleus having a low N/Z ratio?

Above which nucleon number A does a stable nucleus typically require more neutrons than protons?

What is the primary reason for the instability of an atomic nucleus?

Which type of decay involves the emission of a positron and a neutrino?

What is the result of a nucleus emitting an alpha particle?

What is the characteristic of a nucleus with a high N/Z ratio?

For which nuclides is spontaneous fission a possible decay process?

What is the result of proton emission decay in terms of atomic number?

Which type of decay is characterized by the emission of alpha particles?

What is the transformation that occurs in β- decay?

What is the result of a slight imbalance in the number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus?

What is a characteristic of a nucleus with a high N/Z ratio?

What type of decay involves the emission of a positron and a neutrino?

What is the competing process to alpha decay in terms of nuclear stability?

What occurs when a nucleus emits a gamma ray?

Which type of decay is more likely to occur in very proton-rich nuclides?

What is the outcome of spontaneous fission in terms of atomic number and atomic mass number?

In which type of decay does a proton change into a neutron, emitting a positron and a neutrino?

What is the result of alpha decay in terms of the nucleus?

What is the primary reason for the instability of a nucleus with a high N/Z ratio?

What is the outcome of proton emission decay in terms of the nucleus?