Transmutation- When the nucleus of one element changes to the nucleus of another Stability - Most elements are very stable - Those above atomic number 83 are not and are radioactive - Are known as radioisotopes - Instability is related to the ratio of protons to neutrons - As the number of neutrons to proton gets above 1.5 : 1.0 the stability decreases 12 6 C 6 protons, 6 neutrons stable 14 6 C 6 protons, 8 neutrons unstable
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Transmutation- When the nucleus of one element changes to the nucleus of another Stability- Most elements are very stable - Those above atomic number.
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Transmutation - When the nucleus of one element changes to the nucleus of another
Stability - Most elements are very stable
- Those above atomic number 83 are not and are radioactive
- Are known as radioisotopes
- Instability is related to the ratio of protons to neutrons- As the number of neutrons to proton gets
above 1.5 : 1.0 the stability decreases12 6
C 6 protons, 6 neutrons stable
14 6
C 6 protons, 8 neutrons unstable
Unstable Nucleus - Spontaneously decay into radioactive particles
Use isotopes with low radioactivity, short half lives and quickly eliminated from the body.
TreatmentOther forms of radiation can be used to kill cancer cells
Cancer cells are killed easier by radiation than normal cells60Co
Expose tumor to radiation, it kills more cancer cells than normal cells
Radium
131I is also used to treat thyroid problems, as well as diagnose them.
Determining Age
When something is alive, it has a specific amount of 14C in itWhen it dies, the 14C undergoes half lives and decaysCount the number of half lives to determine the age (Carbon dating)
14C
238U
Very long half life
Measure the ratio of 238U to 206Pb in rocks to determine their age.
Sterilization
Some foods or materials are exposed to radiation to kill bacteria and molds
Measurement
Can measure thickness of substances very accurately using radiationRadiation is absorbed as it passes through different materials