Question
Question: Which radioactive isotopes are used to detect tumours? (A) \(^{74}As\) (B) \(^{24}Na\) (C) \(...
Which radioactive isotopes are used to detect tumours?
(A) 74As
(B) 24Na
(C) 131I
(D) 60Co
Solution
Revise the concept of radioactivity. Think about the medical applications of radioactive isotopes. Think about the technique which is used to detect tumours and cancer. Take a look at the options and then accordingly, choose the correct answer.
Complete step by step solution:
- Radioactivity is the property of radioactive atoms to emit radiation spontaneously. It is better known as radioactive decay.
- In radioactive decay, an unstable nucleus of a radioactive atom emits energy spontaneously.
- Radioactivity is widely used in the medical field for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
- Radiation is used to get the diagnostic information about the functioning of various organs in the human body.
- Radiotherapy is the radiation therapy used in treatment of cancer by weakening the cancer cells using radiation.
- Arsenic-74 and Technetium-99 are used to detect tumours.
- Sodium-24 is used for finding out electrolytic balance in the body.
- Iodine-131 is widely used in treating thyroid cancer and in diagnostics of thyroid functions.
- Cobalt-60 is used for gamma ray irradiation of cancer for arresting cancer cells.
- Therefore, the isotope used for detection of tumours is 74As.
- Therefore, the answer is option (A).
Note: Remember radioactive decay is the process in which an unstable nucleus of an atom will emit radiation spontaneously. Radioactive isotopes are widely used in medical diagnostics called imaging like X-ray, PET, mammography, CT-scan, etc. All these techniques of diagnostics come under the umbrella of radiology.