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Chapter 2: Problem 102

The explosion of an atomic bomb releases many radioactive isotopes, including strontium- \(90 .\) Considering the location of strontium in the periodic table, suggest a reason for the fact that this isotope is particularly dangerous for human health.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Strontium-90 is particularly dangerous for human health because it shares chemical similarities with calcium due to its position in the periodic table as an alkaline earth metal. This similarity allows strontium-90 to replace calcium in bone structures when introduced to the human body. Since it is a radioactive isotope that emits β-radiation during decay, its incorporation in bones can cause severe damage to bone marrow cells and surrounding tissue, increasing the risk of diseases like leukemia or bone cancer.

Step by step solution

01

Periodic Table Position

To address the issue at hand, first, let's discuss strontium's location on the periodic table. Strontium (Sr) is an alkaline earth metal with atomic number 38, placed in the second group of the periodic table.
02

Chemical Behavior of Strontium

Alkaline earth metals, such as strontium, have two valence electrons, which means they are reactive elements. Strontium is chemically similar to calcium (Ca), the element located above it in the periodic table. Both elements have a +2 oxidation state, which leads them to form similar compounds and have similar chemical properties.
03

Biochemical Aspect of Strontium-90

Since strontium is chemically similar to calcium, when strontium-90 enters the human body, it can replace calcium in the formation of bones. The body does not differentiate well between strontium and calcium due to their chemical similarities, and as a result, strontium-90 can be incorporated into our bones.
04

Radioactivity of Strontium-90

Strontium-90 is a radioactive isotope that emits beta particles as it decays, with a half-life of approximately 28.8 years. When strontium-90 is incorporated into the bones, the β-radiation emitted can cause severe damage to the bone marrow cells and surrounding tissues, increasing the risk of developing various diseases, such as leukemia or bone cancer. In summary, the fact that strontium-90 is a radioactive isotope, coupled with its chemical similarity to calcium, increases the likelihood of the body incorporating it into bone structures. This close association with bones leads to highly localized radiation damage, which puts human health at significant risk.

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