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| Uses of Isotopes |
Isotopes: Isotopes are the atoms of same element with same proton number but different proton number. Radioactive isotopes are the isotopes of radioactive element. Thus Radioactive or radioisotopes are used
to understand the mechanism of different reactions. Such as C 14 which is radioactive isotope of carbon is used to
label CO2 i-e how CO2 can be used to form glucose through
photosynthesis.
Archaeological or Geological:Radioactive or
radioisotopes are used to estimate the age of fossils. It is based on the
half-lives of radioactive isotopes and is called radioactive isotope dating.
Such as radiocarbon dating is used to determine the age of old carbon
containing material.
Treatment of cancer:Radioactive or
radioisotopes are used to treat cancer because it can produce radioactive rays
to kill cancerous cells. This process is called radiotherapy. Such as radio
isotopes 9 32 and Sr 90 are used to treat skin cancer because it is less
penetrating beta radiation.
As tracer in medicines:Radioactive or
radioisotopes are used as tracer in medicines to diagnose different diseases.
Such as TC technetium is used to monitor the bones growth.
In Power Generation:Radioactive or
radioisotopes produces rays if these rays are controlled carefully then we can
run or drive turbine through Radioactive or radioisotopes rays to generate
electricity. In Pakistan Kanupp (Karachi), Nilore (Islamabad) and Chashma
nuclear energy center produces electricity based on this method.
