What are the different types of radioactive isotopes and their uses?

Radioactive isotopes are atoms with unstable nuclei that spontaneously decay, emitting radiation in the process. There are several types of radioactive isotopes, each with unique characteristics and applications in various fields:

Medical Isotopes

Radioactive isotopes such as technetium-99m are widely used in medical imaging studies like PET scans and SPECT scans to diagnose diseases and visualize internal organs. Iodine-131 is utilized in the treatment of thyroid cancer.

Industrial Isotopes

Cobalt-60 and iridium-192 are common industrial isotopes used for sterilization of medical equipment and food products. They are also employed in radiography to inspect welds and detect flaws in metal structures.

Environmental Science Isotopes

Isotopes like carbon-14 are crucial in dating artifacts and determining the age of fossils. Tritium is used as a tracer in environmental studies to track the movement of water and study groundwater systems.

Isotope Applications

Radioactive isotopes are utilized for imaging in medicine, sterilization in industry, dating artifacts in archaeology, and tracing pathways in environmental science. Research purposes include studying chemical reactions, tracking biological processes, and investigating geological formations.