Edexcel IGCSE Physics 7.14 Uses of radioactivity
Practise explaining medical tracer choices by linking radiation type, penetration, half-life and risk from radioactive decay data.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2019
- Course
- Physics 4PH1
Exam points
- compare gamma and beta radiation in a tracer table, linking penetration to detection outside the body
- explain why a short but usable half-life reduces time in the body while allowing the procedure
7.14 Uses of radioactivity question 1
This question is about radioactive isotopes used for medical imaging.
Technetium-99m is another radioactive isotope.
Iodine-131 and technetium-99m are both used as medical tracers. Medical tracers use radiation detected outside the body to diagnose illnesses.
The table gives information about some of the properties of iodine-131 and technetium-99m when they undergo radioactive decay.
Explain why technetium-99m is likely to be safer than iodine-131 when used as a medical tracer.
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