IRIDIUM RADIOISOTOPES Meaning and
Definition
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Iridium radioisotopes refer to radioactive isotopes of the chemical element iridium. Iridium is a dense, lustrous, silver-white metal with atomic number 77 and symbol Ir. It belongs to the platinum group of elements and is primarily used in various applications such as catalysis, electronics, and jewelry.
Radioisotopes are variants of elements that exhibit unstable atomic nuclei, leading to the emission of radioactive particles such as alpha or beta particles, or gamma rays. In the case of iridium radioisotopes, these variations in atomic structure result in the emission of ionizing radiation.
Iridium radioisotopes find application in various fields, including nuclear medicine and industrial processes. In nuclear medicine, radioactive iridium isotopes like iridium-192 are used for brachytherapy, a medical procedure involving the placement of radioactive sources in close proximity to targeted tumors for cancer treatment. The high-energy radiation emitted by radioactive iridium helps destroy cancerous cells.
In industrial processes, iridium-192 is used in radiography to inspect welds, pipelines, and other structures that need examination for defects or failures. The emitted gamma rays penetrate the materials being tested, and a film or sensor captures the resulting image to detect any irregularities.
It is important to handle iridium radioisotopes with utmost care due to their potential health hazards. Exposure to ionizing radiation from these radioactive isotopes can lead to harmful biological effects and pose radiation hazards. Therefore, proper safety protocols and regulations must be adhered to when handling iridium radioisotopes to minimize any potential risks.
Common Misspellings for IRIDIUM RADIOISOTOPES
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Etymology of IRIDIUM RADIOISOTOPES
The word "Iridium" is derived from the Latin word "iris", meaning "rainbow", due to its striking and vibrant colors when exposed to certain conditions. "Iridium" is used to describe the element with atomic number 77 in the periodic table, which was named by its discoverer, Smithson Tennant, in 1803.
The term "Radioisotopes" is a combination of two words: "radio" and "isotopes". "Radio" refers to radiation or the transmission of energy through waves or particles, while "isotopes" are variants of an element with different numbers of neutrons. Radioisotopes are unstable isotopes that emit radiation as they decay over time.
So, "Iridium Radioisotopes" refers to the radioactive isotopes of the element iridium, which emit radiation due to their unstable nature.
