Chapter 19, Problem 56A

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: This is to be described why $Co$ is used for studying absorption vitamin B12 in human body.

Concept introduction: An isotope is an atom that has the different number of neutrons but same number of protons. Radioisotopes can be defined as an atom which have an unstable nucleus and readily undergoes radioactive decay.

Radioisotopes have wide application in medical diagnosis or treatment of diseases.

Answer to Problem 56A

  $Co$ has low radiation power which makes it suitable to use in liver.

Explanation of Solution

  $Co$ labelled cobalamins used to study the absorption vitamin B12 in human body. Low cumulative radiation power of $Co$ in liver makes it effective for doing this job.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: This is to be described why $Ca$ is used to study bone metabolism.

Concept introduction: An isotope is an atom that has the different number of neutrons but same number of protons. Radioisotopes can be defined as an atom which have an unstable nucleus and readily undergoes radioactive decay.

Radioisotopes have wide application in medical diagnosis or treatment of diseases.

Answer to Problem 56A

Half-life of $Ca$ is such that which makes it eligible for studying bone metabolism.

Explanation of Solution

  $Ca$ has a half-life of about five days, which is long enough for biological investigation of bone metabolism and short enough to ensure that the patient do not remain under prolong radiation.

Other isotopes of calcium such as $Ca$ has half-life of nine minutes and $Ca$ has half-life of 160 days. So they are not suitable.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: This is to be described why $Fe$ is used to study red blood cell function.

Concept introduction: An isotope is an atom that has the different number of neutrons but same number of protons. Radioisotopes can be defined as an atom which have an unstable nucleus and readily undergoes radioactive decay.

Radioisotopes have wide application in medical diagnosis or treatment of diseases.

Answer to Problem 56A

There are some unique physical properties in $Fe$ which makes it suitable to study red blood cell function.

Explanation of Solution

  $Fe$ has a half-life of about 47 days and emits gamma ray and low energy beta ray. Fe-59 are available in acid solutions as the chloride, citrate, or sulfate. So, it can be injected easily into the blood to study red blood cell.

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: This is to be described why $Hg$ is used in brain scans before CAT scan available.

Concept introduction: An isotope is an atom that has the different number of neutrons but same number of protons. Radioisotopes can be defined as an atom which have an unstable nucleus and readily undergoes radioactive decay.

Radioisotopes have wide application in medical diagnosis or treatment of diseases.

Answer to Problem 56A

Low half life and absence of harmful radiation effect makes it suitable for doing brain scan.

Explanation of Solution

  $Hg$ decays with a half-life of 64.1 hours and there is no beta emission. This makes non-harmful to study the brain scan.