An oncologist is selecting a radioactive isotope to treat a micro-tumour located deep within a patient's liver. The isotope is chemically bound to a tumour-seeking antibody and injected into the patient. To maximize the destruction of the cancer cells while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue, the radiation must have high ionizing power and a very short range (a few cell diameters). Additionally, the isotope must decay quickly enough to avoid dangerous long-term internal radiation exposure.

Which of the following isotopes is most suitable for this treatment?

An isotope that undergoes alpha ( $α\alpha$ ) decay with a half-life of $hours7.2\text{ hours}$

An isotope that undergoes gamma ( $γ\gamma$ ) decay with a half-life of $hours6.0\text{ hours}$

An isotope that undergoes beta-minus ( $β−\beta^-$ ) decay with a half-life of $years29\text{ years}$

An isotope that undergoes alpha ( $α\alpha$ ) decay with a half-life of $years432\text{ years}$

Which of the following isotopes is most suitable for this treatment?

An isotope that undergoes alpha ( $α\alpha$ ) decay with a half-life of $hours7.2\text{ hours}$

An isotope that undergoes gamma ( $γ\gamma$ ) decay with a half-life of $hours6.0\text{ hours}$

An isotope that undergoes beta-minus ( $β−\beta^-$ ) decay with a half-life of $years29\text{ years}$

An isotope that undergoes alpha ( $α\alpha$ ) decay with a half-life of $years432\text{ years}$

6.3 Nuclear equations and decay

Question 18

Markscheme

6.3 Nuclear equations and decay

Question 18

Markscheme

6.3 Nuclear equations and decay

Question 18

6.3 Nuclear equations and decay Questions

6.3 Nuclear equations and decay

Question 18

6.3 Nuclear equations and decay Questions