What are isotopes and how are they used in medicine?

What are isotopes and how are they used in medicine?

Isotopes are variants of a chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. In medicine, isotopes are used in diagnostic imaging and treatment. For example, radioactive isotopes can help in cancer treatment by targeting and destroying cancer cells.

Can you give me an example of a specific isotope used in medical imaging?

Sure! One common isotope used in medical imaging is Technetium-99m. It's widely used in nuclear medicine for imaging organs and detecting diseases.

Are there any risks associated with using isotopes in medicine?

Yes, while isotopes can be very beneficial, there are risks such as radiation exposure. However, the doses used in medical procedures are carefully controlled to minimize risks.

What other fields use isotopes besides medicine?

Isotopes are also used in fields like archaeology for dating artifacts, in environmental science for tracing pollution, and in nuclear power for energy production.