Question detail
What is the primary reason for using gamma emitters as medical tracers?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation
Question
- A. They have a long half-life.
- B. They are highly ionising.
- C. They can penetrate tissues easily.
- D. They are easily detectable.
Answer
They can penetrate tissues easily.
Explanation
Gamma emitters are used as medical tracers because they can penetrate body tissues without causing significant damage.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Half-Life Implications
Students often confuse the concept of half-life with the total time a radioactive isotope remains active, not realizing that half-life refers to the time taken for half of the radioactive nuclei in a sample to decay.
Emphasize that half-life is a specific measure of decay rate and does not indicate the complete duration of radioactivity. Use examples to illustrate how different isotopes have varying half-lives and how this affects their applications.
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