Question detail
Why are gamma emitters often used 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 are less harmful than alpha emitters
- B. They can penetrate tissues without causing damage
- C. They have very short half-lives
- D. They are easy to produce
Answer
The correct answer is B: They can penetrate tissues without causing damage.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: They can penetrate tissues without causing damage. This supports the learning objective "Explain why medical tracers should have short enough half-lives to limit dose." in Different half-lives of radioactive isotopes because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Hazards and uses of radioactive emissions and of background radiation. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Different half-lives of radioactive isotopes idea: They are less harmful than alpha emitters; They have very short half-lives; They are easy to produce.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Half-Life Duration
Students often think that a short half-life means the radioactive material is less harmful overall, without considering the implications for medical tracers.
Emphasize that medical tracers need short half-lives to ensure they decay quickly after use, limiting the patient's exposure to radiation.
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