Exam-style question
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How does the half-life of a radioactive source affect its use in medical implants?.
- A.A longer half-life allows for prolonged treatment.
- B.A shorter half-life reduces the risk of side effects.
- C.A longer half-life increases the radiation dose.
- D.A shorter half-life requires more frequent replacements.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- A shorter half-life reduces the risk of side effects.
Explanation
Why this works
A shorter half-life means that the radioactive source will decay more quickly, reducing the duration of radiation exposure to surrounding tissues. This minimizes potential side effects while still allowing effective treatment during the active period of the source.
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