Chemistry

Radioactive isotopes :
The isotopes which are unstable (due to the presence of extra neutrons in their nuclei) and emit various types of radiations, are called radioactive isotopes.
Example. Some of the common radioactive isotopes are : Carbon-14, Arsenic-74, Sodium-24, Iodine-131, Cobalt-60 and Uranium-235.
Applications of Radioactive isotopes :
Isotopes are used in alsmost all the fields such as medicines, agriculture, biology, chemistry, engineering and industry.
Radioactive isotopes are used as a fuel in nuclear reactors of nuclear power plants for generating electricity.
Example. Uranium-235 isotope is used as a fuel in the reactors of nuclear power plants for generating electricity.
Radioactive isotopes are used as ‘tracers’ in medicine to detect the presence of tumors and blood clots, etc., in the human body.
Example. Arsenic-74 tracer is used to detect the presence of tumors and sodium-24 tracer is used to detect the presence of blood clots.
Radioactive isotopes are used to determine the activity of thyroid gland which helps in the treatment of diseases like goitre.
Example. Iodine-131 Radioactive isotopes are used in the treatment of cancer.
Example. Cobalt-60 radioisotope is used to cure cancer.
Radioactive isotopes are used in industry to detect the leakage in underground oil pipelines, gas pipelines and water pipes.