What type of decay does iodine-131 undergo?

What type of decay does iodine-131 undergo?

I-131 undergoes beta-minus decay and emits a principle primary gamma photon of 364 kiloelecton volts (keV) (81% abundance) with an 8-day physical half-life (Table 6-1).

How does I-131 decay?

I is a radioactive isotope of iodine that decays with a physical half life of 8 days to stable 131Xe, and releases radiation during the decay process by emitting beta particles (β−=electrons) and gamma (γ) radiation. The emitted gamma radiation can be detected by a gamma camera and can be used diagnostically.

How is iodine-131 produced in a nuclear reactor?

Iodine-131 is an artificially produced fission by-product resulting from nuclear weapons, above-ground nuclear testing, and nuclear reactor operations. Iodine-131 is found in the gaseous and liquid waste streams of nuclear power plants, but is not released to the environment during normal reactor operations.

What type of radiation is emitted by thorium?

The radiation from the decay of thorium and its decay products is in the form of alpha and beta particles and gamma radiation. Alpha particles can travel only short distances and cannot penetrate human skin.

What is iodine-131 Halflife?

characteristics of iodine …exceptionally useful radioactive isotope is iodine-131, which has a half-life of eight days.

How is iodine-131 administered?

Administration. I-131 can be therapeutically administered as a single capsule that is to be taken orally. The radioactive iodine emits both beta and gamma radiation. The beta radiation is the active agent that kills the overactive thyroid cells and travels small distances, not usually exiting from the patient’s body.

What is thorium decay series?

The 4n chain of Th-232 is commonly called the “thorium series” or “thorium cascade”. Beginning with naturally occurring thorium-232, this series includes the following elements: actinium, bismuth, lead, polonium, radium, radon and thallium.

What is the half-life of iodine-131 if after 24 days?

8 days
The half-life of iodine-131 is 8 days. Since the half-life is 8 days, 24 days corresponds to 3 half-lives.