1. List and describe some useful applications of radioactive isotopes
Objectives
List and describe some useful applications of radioactive isotopes

2. A. Dating by Radioactivity
The half life of radioactive nuclides is used to determine the age of objects
Carbon-14 dating is used to determine the age of organic material
C-14 half-life = 5730 years
Other isotopes are used to date older organic material, rocks, minerals, etc.
Radiometric Dating

3. Radioactive isotopes used to measure the movement of substances
Radioactive Tracers
Radioactive isotopes used to measure the movement of substances
Used in medicine to diagnose diseases
Photosynthesis, enzyme activity, reactions, use of substances by cells
Movement of groundwater/pollutants

4. Radioactive isotopes kill rapidly growing tumor cells
Cancer Treatment
Radioactive isotopes kill rapidly growing tumor cells
In some cases, the source is ingested; i.e. Iodine-131 used to treat thyroid cancer
An external source (60Co) can be directed towards the tumor