Question

Match the following: List-I 1\. \(\mathrm{P}^{32}\) 2\. \(\mathrm{Na}^{24}\) 3\. \(\mathrm{Co}^{60}\) 4\. \(\mathrm{I}^{131}\) List-II (i) Location of the tumour in the brain (ii) Location of the blood clots and circulatory disorders (iii) Radiotherapy (iv) Agricultural research

Short answer

1:iv, 2:ii, 3:iii, 4:i

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the options in List-I

List-I consists of radioisotopes used in various applications: 1. \(\mathrm{P}^{32}\) 2. \(\mathrm{Na}^{24}\) 3. \(\mathrm{Co}^{60}\) 4. \(\mathrm{I}^{131}\). Each isotope has specific uses based on its properties.

Analyzing the options in List-II

List-II provides applications where radioisotopes are used: (i) Location of the tumour in the brain (ii) Location of the blood clots and circulatory disorders (iii) Radiotherapy (iv) Agricultural research. We need to match these with the isotopes from List-I.

Matching \(\mathrm{P}^{32}\)

\(\mathrm{P}^{32}\) is commonly used in agricultural research to study plant metabolism and soil fertility. Therefore, it matches with option (iv) Agricultural research from List-II.

Matching \(\mathrm{Na}^{24}\)

\(\mathrm{Na}^{24}\) is used to detect blood clots and circulatory disorders by tracking sodium ion movement in the body. Hence, it matches with option (ii) Location of the blood clots and circulatory disorders in List-II.

Matching \(\mathrm{Co}^{60}\)

\(\mathrm{Co}^{60}\) is widely used in radiotherapy to treat cancer due to its ability to emit gamma rays, which destroy cancerous cells. This aligns with option (iii) Radiotherapy in List-II.

Matching \(\mathrm{I}^{131}\)

\(\mathrm{I}^{131}\) is utilized in medical imaging to detect tumours, especially in the brain, by observing thyroid activity. Therefore, it corresponds with option (i) Location of the tumour in the brain in List-II.

Key concepts

Applications of Radioisotopes

Radioisotopes are invaluable tools across various fields, thanks to their unique properties. These are atoms with an unstable nucleus that emit radiation as they decay, and this characteristic makes them useful in several applications:

• In medicine, they help diagnose and treat diseases.
• In industry, they are used for quality control and tracing processes.
• In agriculture, they aid in improving crop production and studying plant physiology.

The applications of radioisotopes depend largely on their radiation durability and how they interact with different materials. Exploring each specific application reveals their immense utility.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy utilizes high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells in the human body. Radioisotopes like Co⁶⁰ are commonly used in this process:

• The gamma rays emitted by Co⁶⁰ are focused on the cancerous area, sparing as much of the surrounding healthy tissue as possible.
• This method is effective in shrinking tumors and, together with surgery and chemotherapy, can significantly improve survival rates.

Radiotherapy is an essential part of modern cancer treatment, offering a non-invasive option for patients and helping reduce tumor recurrence post-surgery.

Medical Imaging

Medical imaging employs radioisotopes to create pictures of the inside of the body, making it crucial for diagnosing diseases. One notable application is the use of I¹³¹:

• This isotope is crucial for monitoring thyroid function, as it is absorbed by the thyroid gland.
• In brain cancer diagnostics, it helps detect tumors because of its ability to reveal abnormal tissue activity.

These imaging techniques provide doctors with vital information, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and better-informed treatment decisions.

Agricultural Research

Radioisotopes are also vital in agricultural research, particularly P³². This isotope is frequently employed to enhance and understand agriculture:

• It allows scientists to trace the movement of nutrients in plants, analyzing how they uptake and utilize various elements.
• Such studies help optimize fertilizer use, improving crop yields and promoting sustainable farming practices.

By enhancing our understanding of plant life and soil interactions, radioisotopes contribute immensely towards innovations in food production and agricultural sustainability.