Chapter 42: Q 9 Conceptual Question (page 1235)

The three isotopes
${}^{212}{Po}, {}^{137}{Cs}, and {}^{90}{Sr} decay as {}^{212}{Po} \to {}^{208}{Pb} + α, {}^{137}{Cs} \to {}^{137}{Ba} + e^{-} + γ, and {}^{90}{Sr} \to {}^{90}Y + e^{-}$ Which of these isotopes would be most useful as a biological tracer? Why?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Thus, $C s^{137}$ would be quite valuable.

Step by step solution

Given information

Three isotopes are given:

${}^{212}{Po}, {}^{137}{Cs}, and {}^{90}{Sr} decay as {}^{212}{Po} \to {}^{208}{Pb} + α, {}^{137}{Cs} \to {}^{137}{Ba} + e^{-} + γ, and {}^{90}{Sr} \to {}^{90}Y + e^{-}$

Explanation

Because a gamma ray is emitted after beta decay, $C s^{137}$ would be quite valuable. Because alphas and betas do not penetrate material well, they would not be discovered if they were to escape the body.

Explanation

However, the gamma ray does enter material well and might be identified if it were to escape the body.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

The three isotopes
${}^{212}{Po}, {}^{137}{Cs}, and {}^{90}{Sr} decay as {}^{212}{Po} \to {}^{208}{Pb} + α, {}^{137}{Cs} \to {}^{137}{Ba} + e^{-} + γ, and {}^{90}{Sr} \to {}^{90}Y + e^{-}$ Which of these isotopes would be most useful as a biological tracer? Why?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Given information

Explanation

Explanation

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Particle Model of Matter

Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction

Conservation of Energy and Momentum

Waves Physics

Electricity and Magnetism

Magnetism

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

The three isotopesPo212,Cs137,andSr90decay asPo212→Pb208+α,Cs137→Ba137+e-+γ,andSr90→Y90+e-Which of these isotopes would be most useful as a biological tracer? Why?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Given information

Explanation

Explanation

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Particle Model of Matter

Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction

Conservation of Energy and Momentum

Waves Physics

Electricity and Magnetism

Magnetism

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

The three isotopes
${}^{212}{Po}, {}^{137}{Cs}, and {}^{90}{Sr} decay as {}^{212}{Po} \to {}^{208}{Pb} + α, {}^{137}{Cs} \to {}^{137}{Ba} + e^{-} + γ, and {}^{90}{Sr} \to {}^{90}Y + e^{-}$ Which of these isotopes would be most useful as a biological tracer? Why?