161k views
5 votes
Radioisotopes often emit alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. The distance they travel through matter increases in order from alpha to gamma. Each radioisotope has a characteristic half-life, which is the time needed for half of a sample of radioisotope to undergo nuclear decay. Which quality is desirable for a radioisotope that is used for medical imaging of a specific organ

User TKrugg
by
4.7k points

2 Answers

5 votes

Final answer:

A desirable quality for a radioisotope used for medical imaging of a specific organ is a short half-life, as it allows for a shorter waiting time before the patient can be considered safe from radiation exposure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The distance that radioisotopes travel through matter increases in order from alpha to gamma particles. For medical imaging of a specific organ, a desirable quality for a radioisotope would be a short half-life. A short half-life means that the radioisotope decays quickly, allowing for a shorter waiting time before the patient can be considered safe from radiation exposure.

User NeilMacMullen
by
5.4k points
0 votes

Answer:

It emits alpha and beta particles.

Step-by-step explanation:

EDG 20

User Barry Brown
by
5.2k points