Uses of Radioisotopes

uses of radioisotopes
Introduction to uses of radioisotopes

Radio Active Isotopes :

Radio active isotopes are also called as Radio isotopes . These are the atoms with different number of neutrons with unstable nucleus . This nucleus decays and emits [alpha] , [beta] , [gamma] 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.

Isotopes of elements are radioactive are called radioactive isotopes . Because of their radioactivity , their presence or location in a system , and their quantity can be easily determined using radioactivity measuring devices . it is for this reason these find wide application in the industry , medical field , agriculture , chemistry , geology .
Uses of Radioisotopes

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 .
Uses of Radio Isotopes in Detail

1. Chemistry :

Chemical analysis : The solubility of sparingly soluble salts such as PbSO4 & AgCl and determination of trace amounts of elements in industrial raw materials & products .

Reaction mechanism : Mechanism of photosynthesis and hydrolysis of esters using 8O18 .


2. Agriculture :

Uptake of phosporous by plants by P32 .
Transport of minerals in plants by S34 .
Irradiation by [gamma] -radiations of seeds to improve yeilds .



3. Medical Field :

Diagnosis and treatment of brain umour by I131 .
Study of restricted circulation of blood by Na24 .
Pumping condition of heart by I131 .
Study of functioning of thyroid gland by I131 .
Detection and treatment of cancer by Co50 and Co60 .
Treatment of blood disorders by Pb32 .
Treatment of thyroid complaints by using I131 .



4. Industry :

Isotopes are used in the selection of correct lubricants .
Isotopes are used in detecting the flaws in the machines .



5. Geology :

Age of fossils ( carbon compounds ) by C14
Age of rocks by U238/ Pb206 radio isotopes .

Related Questions
What are the radioisotopes used for agricultural purposes?
Are all isotopes radioisotopes?
What are the types of radioisotopes?
What are 3 different radioisotopes?
Industrial applications of radioisotopes
Why do scientists measure the half-life of radioisotopes?

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