Isotopes have diverse applications, but two key uses are in nuclear fuel and medical treatments.
Isotopes, which are variants of a chemical element differing in neutron number, are used across various fields. Below are two highlighted uses based on provided examples:
-
Nuclear Fuel: Certain isotopes of uranium, such as Uranium-235, are used as fuel in nuclear reactors. They undergo nuclear fission, releasing significant energy that generates electricity. This process is a critical component of nuclear power generation.
-
Medical Treatments: Radioactive isotopes are used extensively in medicine for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. For example:
- Iodine-131 is used in the treatment of goiter and other thyroid conditions.
- Cobalt-60 is used in cancer treatment, where its gamma rays are directed at cancerous tissues to destroy them.
In summary, isotopes find crucial applications in energy production (nuclear fuel) and in the treatment of various diseases (medical treatments).
