Final answer:
Iodine-131 is utilized in cancer treatment as it emits beta particles during radioactive decay, targeting and destroying cancer cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Iodine-131, a radioactive isotope, serves as a potent tool in cancer therapy due to its emission of beta particles. These particles are high-energy, allowing them to penetrate tissues and specifically target cancer cells. Once inside the body, Iodine-131 seeks out areas where thyroid tissue or certain types of tumors accumulate. As it undergoes radioactive decay, it emits beta particles, which damage the DNA of nearby cancerous cells. This radiation effectively destroys the cancer cells, impeding their ability to replicate and grow.
Remarkably, this process minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues, primarily affecting only the targeted cancer cells. The precise targeting and focused emission of beta particles make Iodine-131 a valuable resource in targeted radiation therapy, offering a more localized and effective approach to treating certain types of cancer.