Question detail
Why must radioactive isotopes used in medicine have suitable half-lives?
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. To ensure they remain active for a long time
- B. To limit the radiation dose to patients
- C. To maximize their ionizing power
- D. To ensure they can be easily detected
Answer
To limit the radiation dose to patients
Explanation
Radioactive isotopes used in medicine must have suitable half-lives to ensure that they decay quickly enough to limit the radiation dose to patients while still being detectable during the procedure.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Half-Life Suitability
Students often confuse the concept of half-life with the total duration a radioactive isotope remains active, failing to recognize that a suitable half-life must balance effectiveness and safety in medical or industrial applications.
To fix this, students should focus on understanding that a suitable half-life allows for effective use of the isotope while minimizing exposure risk, ensuring they can explain the importance of both short and long half-lives in different contexts.
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