Question

Element 43 is used in medical radiology to locate tumors. Refer to the periodic table and state whether Tc has any stable isotopes.

Short answer

Technetium (Tc) has no stable isotopes; all are radioactive.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Isotopes

Isotopes are different forms of the same element, where each has the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Stable isotopes do not undergo radioactive decay over time.

Identifying the Element

Element 43 is Technetium, which has the chemical symbol 'Tc' on the periodic table.

Consulting the Periodic Table

Refer to the periodic table or a reliable scientific source that lists the isotopes of elements and their stability. Typically, such tables will indicate which isotopes, if any, are stable.

Checking for Stability

Upon checking the periodic table, note that Technetium (Tc) does not have any stable isotopes. All of its isotopes are radioactive.

Key concepts

Stable Isotopes

In the vast world of chemistry, the term "isotope" refers to variants of a chemical element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. This slight difference in neutron count can influence how an atom behaves, especially in terms of stability. A stable isotope is one that does not change over time, meaning it doesn't emit alpha, beta, or gamma radiation. For an isotope to be considered stable, it must remain unchanged indefinitely. Stable isotopes play critical roles across many scientific fields, including geology, biology, and chemistry. In the periodic table, you can locate elements and determine which isotopes are stable. For some elements, many stable isotopes exist, while for others, like Technetium (Tc), all known isotopes are unstable. This unique characteristic affects how these elements are employed in various applications, which we will explore further.

Radioactive Decay

Radioactive decay is the process through which unstable isotopes release energy to become a more stable form. There are several types of radioactive decay, such as alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Each involves the emission of particles and energy. - **Alpha Decay:** An alpha particle, consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons, is emitted. - **Beta Decay:** A neutron changes into a proton and an electron, with the electron being emitted as a beta particle. - **Gamma Decay:** High-energy photons are emitted, with no change in the number of protons or neutrons. Technetium, element number 43 on the periodic table, is entirely composed of radioactive isotopes. Each isotope of Technetium undergoes decay, releasing radiation until it achieves a more stable state. This radioactive nature is crucial for its application in medical fields.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a comprehensive chart that displays all known chemical elements arranged by atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. This powerful tool helps scientists and students understand an element's relationships and characteristics. Technetium is located in group 7 and period 5 of the periodic table. Despite its location among many elements with stable isotopes, Technetium starkly stands out for lacking any stable variants. This anomaly makes it unique and interesting for scientific exploration. The periodic table is frequently used to determine an element's isotopes and their properties. By examining Technetium on the table, you can observe that all its isotopes are radioactive, heavily influencing how it is applied, particularly in medical contexts.

Radiology Applications

In the medical world, the radioactive properties of Technetium make it extremely valuable. Despite having no stable isotopes, Technetium-99m, a metastable isotope, has found profound applications in radiology. Technetium-99m is highly prized in the field of nuclear medicine for its ability to help image the body's interior. It emits gamma rays, which are detected by special cameras to create detailed images of organs and tumors. This imaging technique is critical for diagnosing and monitoring illnesses like cancer. The ability of Technetium-99m to pinpoint tumors without any stable isotopes makes it an excellent example of how radioactive decay can be harnessed for beneficial purposes. It highlights the intersection of chemistry and medicine in innovative ways to improve health outcomes.