uses of isotopes

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - PET is a sophisticated version of radio isotope scanning. The principle behind PET scanning is as follows. Short - lived radio isotopes such as 1 1 C, 1 3 N or 1 5 O are produced and incorporated into a solution (of glucose) that can be injec..

. Graphite, a form of carbon, is one type of moderator. It surrounds the cans containing the fuel. Ordinary water, heavy water, and beryllium can also be used as moderators. Heavy water contains an isotope of hydrogen that is heavier than ordinary hydrogen. Control rods regulate..

This classification is based on the most fundamental property of the elements - the atomic number, so it is more accurate. With the atomic number as the basis of this classification, the position of isotopes in one place is justified. The systematic grouping of elements into the f..

Artificial Nuclear Reactions - Radioactivity is broadly classified into two categories: a) Natural radioactivity and b) Artificial or Induced radioactivity. If a substance emits radiations by itself, it is said to possess natural radioactivity. If a substance does not possess radioactivity but star..

. This is the principle underlying the hydrogen or thermonuclear bomb. A hydrogen bomb consists of an arrangement of nuclear fission in the centre. It is surrounded by a mixture of deuterium The nuclear fission provides heat and neutrons. The neutrons are used in converting lithium i..

Nuclear Fission - Two consequences of nuclear reactions are the phenomena of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Both are important sources of nuclear energy, which may be used for peaceful or destructive purposes. When a nucleus is bombarded with some sub-atomic particles such as a - par..

. The SI unit of radioactivity is becquerel (Bq) named after Antoine Becquerel, which is equal to one disintegration per second. The older unit, curie, named after Marie Curie is still used, One Curie (Ci) is defined as the amount of radioactive isotope that give 3.7 x 10 1 0 di..

>When a nucleus emits radiation it is said to decay. Rays from radioactive isotopes are dangerous to living things but are also useful in variety of ways. Exposure to large amounts of radiation is harmful to health. All radioactive materials should always be handled with care an..

Synthetic Elements Including Transuranics - Nuclear reactions involving the bombardment technique by different particles have been used to synthesise artificial elements such as Technetium, Astatine and Transuranium. (Z > 92) which follow uranium in the periodic table. The nuclear reactio..

Breeder Reactors - Natural uranium contains very little (0.72%) of its fissionable isotope 2 3 5 U needs to be enriched in the latter to be useful as a fuel in nuclear reactor. A breeder reactor is one that produces more fissionable nuclei than it consumes. Another serious probl..