Where is the “Normal” isotope located on periodic table (for example, top right, bottom left, center)? Is “Normal” Isotope Metallic, Non-Metallic, or Metalloid? What does it mean to have this characteristic?  What is “Normal” Isotope’s Atomic size and Ionization Energy? Describe how the “Normal” Isotope’s Atomic size and Ionization Energy affect its chemical properties?

Module 2 Project:  Medical Isotopes

 

Overview:

Nuclear chemistry is now widely used in the field of medicine and has played a vital role when it comes to diagnosing and treating diseases.  In this project, you will research and explore a specific radioactive isotope and how it is used in medicine.

Planning for this project:

For this assignment, begin by reviewing Chapters 4 and Chapter 5.  Then fully read through the information and questions below before starting this assignment.

NOTE: Three minimum reference sources are required.  Your textbook, specifically Chapter 5 – Nuclear Chemistry, would be very useful for this assignment.

Assignment:

Address the questions listed below fully with complete sentences.  Make sure to put it in your own words, paraphrasing and summarizing.  Only use quotes when necessary, citing all sources used.  Do make sure to apply the appropriate in-text citations when necessary. Make sure to review the Instructions page for this assignment as well.

 

1. Create an “Introduction” section.  In the first paragraph of this introduction, briefly describe the purpose of this assignment.  Also conduct some research and write a brief paragraph(s) that addresses each of the following questions (again, in your own words, and please label your paragraphs with the below lettering):
   1. What is natural radioactivity? Speak to the different types of radiation that an unstable nucleus may emit, and the different types of radiation involved.
   2. Why is it important to be able to write a balanced nuclear equation for radioactive decay?  Go into some of the specifics of what is involved in writing an equation.
   3. What is a “half-life” and why is it important to know the half-life of a radioisotope? List a few applications of how scientists make use of having this knowledge.  Why would it be so important to know the half-lives of radioisotopes when it comes to medical applications?
   4. Briefly describe how we can make use our knowledge of radioactivity in medicine.  Speak about the characteristics of the radioisotopes used in these types of applications.  What might they have in common?  What process(es) do we use to detect these radioisotopes?

 

2. Review website United Medical Educationand Table 5.8 within our eText, then pick one  State your selection and note that it will be used in the below questions.

 

3. Conduct some research on your Isotope. Write a few brief paragraphs regarding:
   1. The history of the “Normal” and “Radioactive” Isotopes. (NOTE: We are calling the Isotope that is most abundant and seen on the Periodic table the “Normal” isotope.) When were they discovered?   Where were they discovered?   By who were they discovered?

 

4. Create a table like Table 4.7 in your eText, and seen below, of the Element’s “Normal” and “Radioactive” isotope. Describe atomic symbol, atomic number, number of protons, number of electrons, mass number, number of electrons, Mass of Isotope (amu) and Percent Abundance.

 

5. Describe Element’s “Normal” isotope’s properties (Review Section 4.8).

 

1. Where is the “Normal” isotope located on periodic table (for example, top right, bottom left, center)?
2. Is “Normal” Isotope Metallic, Non-Metallic, or Metalloid? What does it mean to have this characteristic?

• What is “Normal” Isotope’s Atomic size and Ionization Energy? Describe how the “Normal” Isotope’s Atomic size and Ionization Energy affect its chemical properties?

 

6. Create two tables, one like Table 5.7 (Half-Life of Your Element Name Here) and one like Table 5.8 (Medical Applications of Your Radioisotope Name Here) from your eText of the Element’s “Radioactive” Isotope. In your Half-Life table describe your Element, Radioisotope’s Atomic Symbol, Half-Life, Type of Radiation. And then in your Medical Application table describe: Isotope, Half-Life, Radiation, Medical Application.

 

1. Describe and show how your isotope(s) decays? (for example, “it decays with the emission of an alpha-particle”). Give the specific chemical reaction and diagram it out, listing reactants and products.   See image below for example

7. Describe the Radiation type that is emitted. Create table like Table 5.2 of “Radioactive” Isotope. Describe Type of Radiation, Symbol, Mass number and Charge.

 

8. Describe Radiation and Shielding Required. How the travel distance “Radioactive” Isotope in Air, Tissue, and what would be used for Shielding? Can it penetrate through the body?

 

9. Describe, in greater detail than above, all medical application(s) and how it is used.

 

10. Describe if there are any negative or hazards associated with element?

 

11. Calculate the amount of time needed to bring the radioactivity to 25%. Show math.

 

12. Create a Conclusion section. Briefly summarize your research findings on your isotope and what you learned.