Radioactivity
Radioactivity Radioactivity refers to the particles which are emitted from nuclei as a result of nuclear instability.
People when think of radioactivity usually remind themselves of tragedies connected with them, and consider it as a negative factor. In fact, it has both its negative aspects as well as positive ones. It is used in several branches of life and studies, in order to make our lives better. I will try to present some of beneficial applications of radioactivity.
• Probably the most significant usage of radioactivity is in medicine. It is used in diagnostic scintigraphy, which is a study to asses organ function. Most frequently used, isotope of technetium-99m allows the quick removal of the radioisotope from the body and minimizes the risk of possible complications. Unlike X-ray studies, which better illustrates the structure of the organ, scintigraphy allows accurate diagnosis of its activities and the early detection of any abnormalities.
In therapy, radioactivity has found its place primarily in the treatment of cancer by ionizing irradiation. For this purpose, a device called "cobalt bomb" is used, which uses the isotope of cobalt-60Co to irradiate the malignant tissues.
• Radioactivity is also used in science, e.g. in archeology. Carbon-14 isotope is assimilated by plants and becomes a part of the living animal organisms, after eating the plant foods and getting carbon from atmosphere. At the time of death of the organism, as a result of decay, the amount of radioactive isotope decreases, which allows archaeologists to examine the age of excavations.
• Radioactivity in many countries is also used for food preservation. The radiation destroys microorganisms and inhibits decay, which in consequence prevents poisoning and extends product shelf-life. Fixed irradiated food still has the essential nutrients, while leaving it safe for health.
• Radioactive methods have been applied in industry. They are used in the process of sterilization of
People when think of radioactivity usually remind themselves of tragedies connected with them, and consider it as a negative factor. In fact, it has both its negative aspects as well as positive ones. It is used in several branches of life and studies, in order to make our lives better. I will try to present some of beneficial applications of radioactivity.
• Probably the most significant usage of radioactivity is in medicine. It is used in diagnostic scintigraphy, which is a study to asses organ function. Most frequently used, isotope of technetium-99m allows the quick removal of the radioisotope from the body and minimizes the risk of possible complications. Unlike X-ray studies, which better illustrates the structure of the organ, scintigraphy allows accurate diagnosis of its activities and the early detection of any abnormalities.
In therapy, radioactivity has found its place primarily in the treatment of cancer by ionizing irradiation. For this purpose, a device called "cobalt bomb" is used, which uses the isotope of cobalt-60Co to irradiate the malignant tissues.
• Radioactivity is also used in science, e.g. in archeology. Carbon-14 isotope is assimilated by plants and becomes a part of the living animal organisms, after eating the plant foods and getting carbon from atmosphere. At the time of death of the organism, as a result of decay, the amount of radioactive isotope decreases, which allows archaeologists to examine the age of excavations.
• Radioactivity in many countries is also used for food preservation. The radiation destroys microorganisms and inhibits decay, which in consequence prevents poisoning and extends product shelf-life. Fixed irradiated food still has the essential nutrients, while leaving it safe for health.
• Radioactive methods have been applied in industry. They are used in the process of sterilization of