Question

Write any two uses of isotopes.

Answer 1

Hint: Radioactive isotopes emits radiations of alpha, beta and gamma rays. The radioisotope, such as technetium-99m is inhaled into the body which then circulates through the body or is taken up only by certain tissues. Its distribution can be tracked according to the radiation it gives off.

Complete step by step solution:
Isotopes:
-The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of protons present in its atom. The atomic mass of an element is equal to the sum of the number of protons and the number of neutrons in its atom.
-Isotopes are different versions of the same element that have the same atomic number but different atomic mass.
-Isotopes of the same element have a different number of neutrons and the same number of protons.
-Example of isotopes: ${}_{17}C{l}^{35}$ and ${}_{17}C{l}^{37}$
-There are two main types of isotopes:
1. Radioactive Isotopes
-Unstable combinations of protons and neutrons are present in radioactive isotopes. Hence, these isotopes decay and emit radiations that include alpha, beta and gamma rays.
2. Stable Isotopes
-Stable isotopes have a stable proton-neutron combination. Hence, they do not display any sign of decay.
-This stability comes from the number of neutrons present in an atom. Since stable isotopes do not decay, they do not produce radiation or its associated health risks.

>Uses of isotopes:
An isotope of uranium acts as a fuel in nuclear reactors.
In the treatment of cancer, an isotope of Cobalt is used.
In the field of medical, an isotope of Iodine is used in the whole-body scan.
Stable isotopes of oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen and carbon are used in performing environmental and ecological experiments.
Radioactive isotopes are used in Food irradiation. Food irradiation is the process of exposing food to a controlled level of gamma rays which kills many types of bacteria and makes food safer to eat.

Note: Isobars are atoms of different elements that have different atomic numbers but same atomic mass. Isotopes show the same chemical properties whereas isobars show different chemical properties. Isotopes occur at the same place in the periodic table whereas isobars are present at different places in the periodic table.