Radioisotopes are also called as Radio isotopes . These are the atoms with different number of neutrons with unstable nucleus . This nucleus decays and emits alpha, bita, Gama rays until isotopes reaches its stability . Once the isotopes reaches its stability , then it becomes totally an another element . Radioactive decay is spontaneous , so its hard to know when it will take place . There are around 3800 radioactive isotopes . There are wide use of radioisotopes.
Here are a few types of radioisotopes:
Uranium-238
Radium-226
Sodium-24
Cobalt-60
A few uses of radioisotopes are listed below :
1. Chemistry : Chemical analysis ( quantitative and qualitative analysis ) and reaction mechanism .
2. Agriculture : Mechanism of plant processes .
3. Medical field : Diagnosis and treatment of diseases .
4. Industry : Detection of flaws in machinery .
5. Geology : Age of rocks and fossils .
- Radio-isotopes are widely used in medicine, as tracers that show up on X-ray film, and sometimes to destroy cancerous growths.
- They are also used widely in industry. The radiation emitted by different radio-isotopes can be used for rapid, highly accurate measurement of material thickness, including the thickness of platings or coatings. The purity or composition of materials can be established by means of radio-isotopes. Radio-isotopes are used as gamma ray sources to irradiate and sterilize materials.
- In agriculture, radio-isotope tracers can be used to check for proper distribution of insecticides.
- Radio-isotopes are used to detect pipeline leaks, and to trace underground water.
- Naturally occuring radio-isotopes can be detected in forensic science, to assist in solving crimes.
- Naturally occuring radio-isotopes are also used by archaeologists and related specialists to help establish the authenticity and age of specimens.
- Naturally occuring radio-isotopes are often used by geologists to establish the ages of rocks.
I hope the above explanation was useful.Keep reading and leave your comments.
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