Question

Iodine-131 is a radioactive isotope that is used as a medical tracer to study and treat the thyroid gland. This radioactive element emits both beta particles and gamma waves. To effectively stop both beta particles and gamma waves, scientists use a chamber composed of

A) concrete.
B) lead.
C) metal.
D) plastic.

Answer 1

B) Lead

Step-by-step explanation:

The radioactive decay for iodine is:

₅₃I¹³¹ → ₋₁e⁰ + ₀γ⁰ + ₅₄Xe¹³¹

where 'e' and 'γ' represent the beta and gamma particles.

Gamma rays are more energetic and penetrating than beta rays. Lead is a metal that has a high density and atomic number which helps in blocking both gamma and beta rays.

Answer 2

B) Lead
Lead chambers are used to effectively contain all type of radiations, given that the thickness is sufficient.