Radioactivity and Isotopes

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of radiation?

Radio waves only

Visible energy waves or particles

Ionizing particles only

Invisible energy waves or particles (correct)

What is the process by which an atomic nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy?

Radioactivity

Nuclear fission

Radioactive decay (correct)

Ionization

What is the difference between isotopes?

Atomic mass

Number of neutrons (correct)

Number of electrons

Number of protons

What type of radiation can remove electrons from atoms?

Ionizing radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is emitted during radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus?

Alpha particles Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the atomic mass of an atom when it emits an alpha particle?

Decreases by 4 units Signup and view all the answers

What is the charge of an alpha particle?

Positively charged Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of ionizing radiation on living things?

It can damage tissue and DNA in genes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary health concern with alpha particles?

Inhalation or ingestion of alpha-emitters Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between alpha particles and gamma rays?

Alpha particles have mass, while gamma rays do not Signup and view all the answers

What happens when alpha particles cause ionizations in living tissue?

The ionizations are very close together, causing severe damage Signup and view all the answers

What is true about beta particles compared to alpha particles?

Beta particles are more penetrating, but less damaging Signup and view all the answers

Why are beta-emitters most hazardous when inhaled or swallowed?

Because they can cause damage to living tissue and DNA inside the body Signup and view all the answers

What is similar between gamma rays and visible light?

Their energy levels Signup and view all the answers

Why are gamma rays often emitted along with alpha or beta particles?

Because they are a result of radioactive decay Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of alpha particles that makes them more dangerous than other types of radiation?

They cause ionizations that are very close together Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique characteristic of gamma rays compared to alpha and beta particles?

They can easily penetrate barriers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between X-rays and gamma rays?

Their sources of origin Signup and view all the answers

What is a medical use of radiochemistry?

Medical Imaging and Diagnosis Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative effect of exposure to ionizing radiation?

Cancer and genetic mutations Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of radioactive tracers in nuclear medicine?

To visualize organs and tissues Signup and view all the answers

What can be used to stop gamma rays?

Several inches of lead or concrete Signup and view all the answers

What is a common source of X-rays?

Medical machines using electricity Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of radiation therapy?

To shrink tumors and improve patient outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential long-term effect of radiation exposure on the environment?

Persistence of contamination for extended periods Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of radiotherapy in cancer treatment?

To treat cancer Signup and view all the answers

How does radiotherapy destroy cancer cells?

By damaging the DNA Signup and view all the answers

What can help mitigate the risks of radiation exposure to workers in radiochemistry research or nuclear facilities?

Strict safety protocols and proper shielding Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible side effect of radiotherapy?

Side effects in the treatment area Signup and view all the answers

What type of radiation is used in radiotherapy?

Ionising radiation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Radiation and Radioactivity

Radiation: invisible energy waves or particles that can come from unstable atoms or be produced by machines
Radioactivity: property of some atoms to spontaneously give off energy by emitting ionizing particles

Isotopes and Radioactive Decay

Isotopes: atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons
Radioactive decay: process by which an atomic nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting ionizing particles

Types of Radiation

Non-Ionizing Radiation: enough energy to move atoms in a molecule or cause them to vibrate, but not enough to remove electrons from atoms (examples: radio waves, visible light, microwaves)
Ionizing Radiation: has enough energy to knock electrons out of atoms, posing a health risk by damaging tissue and DNA in genes (examples: x-ray machines, cosmic particles, radioactive elements)

Types of Ionizing Radiation

Alpha (α) Radiation:
- Emission of an alpha particle (2 protons and 2 neutrons) from an atomic nucleus
- Decreases atomic mass by 4 units and atomic number by 2
- Positively charged and made up of two protons and two neutrons from the atom's nucleus
- Can cause damage to sensitive living tissue, especially if inhaled or ingested
Beta (β) Particles:
- Small, fast-moving particles with a negative electrical charge
- Emitted from an atom's nucleus during radioactive decay
- More penetrating than alpha particles but less damaging to living tissue and DNA
- Can cause skin burns and damage if inhaled or ingested
Gamma (γ) Rays:
- Weightless packets of energy called photons
- Pure energy with no mass
- Similar to visible light but with higher energy
- Can easily penetrate barriers and cause ionizations that damage tissue and DNA
X-Rays:
- Similar to gamma rays but with lower energy and less penetrating
- Emitted from processes outside the nucleus
- Can be produced naturally or by machines using electricity

Medical Uses of Radiochemistry

Medical Imaging and Diagnosis: radioisotopes used in PET and SPECT to detect and diagnose diseases
Radiation Therapy: radioisotopes and radiation sources used to treat cancer
Nuclear Medicine: radioisotopes used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes to visualize and evaluate organ function

Potential Negative Effects and Risks

Exposure to ionizing radiation can cause acute or long-term health effects, including cancer and genetic mutations
Contamination and environmental impact: air, soil, and water contamination can persist and pose risks to human health and ecosystems
Occupational hazards: workers involved in radiochemistry research or nuclear facilities may face radiation exposure risks

Radiotherapy

Use of radiation, usually x-rays, to treat cancer
Can be used to treat cancer, reduce the chance of cancer coming back, and relieve symptoms
Can be used alone or with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery
Works by destroying cancer cells in the treated area by damaging the DNA, but also affects normal cells and can cause side effects

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Description

Learn about radiation, radioactivity, isotopes, and radioactive decay. Understand the concepts of unstable atoms, ionizing particles, and nuclear energy loss.