Difference between revisions of "Radioactive Tracer"
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==Key Stage 4== | ==Key Stage 4== | ||
===Meaning=== | ===Meaning=== | ||
| − | A [[ | + | A '''radioactive tracer''' is an [[Unstable Isotope|unstable isotope]] which is injected into a patient to trace the flow of [[fluid]]s around the body. |
===About Radioactive Tracers=== | ===About Radioactive Tracers=== | ||
| + | : In '''radioactive tracers''' the [[Unstable Isotope|unstable isotope]] is part of a [[compound]]. | ||
| + | : '''Radioactive tracers''' can be used to image specific [[gland]]s, [[organ]]s or trace the flow of [[fluid]]s through the body. | ||
: '''Radioactive tracers''' are usually [[gamma-ray]] [[emit]]ters because [[Gamma-ray]]s can penetrate most [[material]]s so most of the [[gamma-ray]]s leave the body without being [[reflect]]ed, [[refract]]ed or [[Absorb (Physics)|absorbed]] by the [[tissue]]. | : '''Radioactive tracers''' are usually [[gamma-ray]] [[emit]]ters because [[Gamma-ray]]s can penetrate most [[material]]s so most of the [[gamma-ray]]s leave the body without being [[reflect]]ed, [[refract]]ed or [[Absorb (Physics)|absorbed]] by the [[tissue]]. | ||
: Different [[gland]]s and [[organ]]s collect different [[compound]]s from the [[blood]] stream. A [[compound]] containing a [[radioactive]] [[isotope]] can be injected into the [[blood]] and this will accumulate in the desired [[gland]] or [[organ]]. While there the [[Unstable Isotope|unstable isotopes]] [[Radioactive Decay|decay]] and this can be detected. This can be used to create an image of that [[gland]] or [[organ]]. | : Different [[gland]]s and [[organ]]s collect different [[compound]]s from the [[blood]] stream. A [[compound]] containing a [[radioactive]] [[isotope]] can be injected into the [[blood]] and this will accumulate in the desired [[gland]] or [[organ]]. While there the [[Unstable Isotope|unstable isotopes]] [[Radioactive Decay|decay]] and this can be detected. This can be used to create an image of that [[gland]] or [[organ]]. | ||
: [[Fluid]]s in certain [[organ]]s can become blocked. These blockages can be detected by injecting or ingesting a [[radioactive]] [[isotope]] which will accumulate at the blockage. This accumulation can then be detected as the [[Unstable Isotope|unstable isotopes]] [[Radioactive Decay|decays]] to produce [[Ionising Radiation|ionising radiation]]. | : [[Fluid]]s in certain [[organ]]s can become blocked. These blockages can be detected by injecting or ingesting a [[radioactive]] [[isotope]] which will accumulate at the blockage. This accumulation can then be detected as the [[Unstable Isotope|unstable isotopes]] [[Radioactive Decay|decays]] to produce [[Ionising Radiation|ionising radiation]]. | ||
| + | ===Extra Information=== | ||
| + | {{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXzONBPcPIk}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===References=== | ||
| + | ====Edexcel==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | :[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1292120223/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1292120223&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=068ecf40278c32406a7f1c6e66751417 ''Radioactive tracers, page 104, GCSE Physics, Pearson Edexcel ''] | ||
Latest revision as of 16:47, 27 November 2019
Contents
Key Stage 4
Meaning
A radioactive tracer is an unstable isotope which is injected into a patient to trace the flow of fluids around the body.
About Radioactive Tracers
- In radioactive tracers the unstable isotope is part of a compound.
- Radioactive tracers can be used to image specific glands, organs or trace the flow of fluids through the body.
- Radioactive tracers are usually gamma-ray emitters because Gamma-rays can penetrate most materials so most of the gamma-rays leave the body without being reflected, refracted or absorbed by the tissue.
- Different glands and organs collect different compounds from the blood stream. A compound containing a radioactive isotope can be injected into the blood and this will accumulate in the desired gland or organ. While there the unstable isotopes decay and this can be detected. This can be used to create an image of that gland or organ.
- Fluids in certain organs can become blocked. These blockages can be detected by injecting or ingesting a radioactive isotope which will accumulate at the blockage. This accumulation can then be detected as the unstable isotopes decays to produce ionising radiation.