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Because iodine in the body is preferentially taken up by the thyroid gland, radioactive iodine in small doses is used to image the thyroid, and in large doses it is used to kill thyroid cells to treat some types of cancer or thyroid disease. The iodine isotopes used have relatively short half-lives, so they must be produced in a nuclear reactor or accelerator. One isotope frequently used for imaging is \({ }^{123} \mathrm{I} ;\) it has a half-life of 13.2 hours and emits a \(0.16 \mathrm{MeV}\) gamma ray. One method of producing \({ }^{123} \mathrm{I}\) is in the nuclear reaction \({ }^{123} \mathrm{Te}+\mathrm{p} \rightarrow{ }^{123} \mathrm{I}+\mathrm{n}\). The atomic masses relevant to this reaction are \(^{123} \mathrm{Te}: 122.90427 \mathrm{u} ;{ }^{123} \mathrm{I}: 122.90559 \mathrm{u} ; \mathrm{n}: 1.008665 \mathrm{u} ;{ }^{1} \mathrm{H}: 1.007825 \mathrm{u}\). The iodine isotope commonly used for treatment is \({ }^{131} \mathrm{I}\), which is produced by irradiating \({ }^{130} \mathrm{Te}\) in a nuclear reactor to form \({ }^{131} \mathrm{Te}\). The \({ }^{131}\) Te then decays to \({ }^{131}\) I. \({ }^{131}\) I undergoes \(\beta\) decay with a halflife of 8.04 days, emitting electrons with energies up to \(0.61 \mathrm{MeV}\) and gamma rays with energy \(0.36 \mathrm{MeV}\). A typical thyroid cancer treatment might involve the administration of \(3.7 \mathrm{GBq}\) of \({ }^{131} \mathrm{I}\). Which reaction produces \({ }^{131}\) Te in the nuclear reactor? A. \({ }^{130} \mathrm{Te}+\mathrm{n} \rightarrow{ }^{131} \mathrm{Te}\) B. \({ }^{130} \mathrm{I}+\mathrm{n} \rightarrow{ }^{131} \mathrm{Te}\) C. \({ }^{132} \mathrm{Te}+\mathrm{n} \rightarrow{ }^{131} \mathrm{Te}\) D. \({ }^{132} \mathrm{I}+\mathrm{n} \rightarrow{ }^{131} \mathrm{Te}\)

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Initial Material

The problem states that 130 Te is irradiated in a nuclear reactor to form 131 Te, indicating that the initial material is 130 Te.

02

Determine the Reaction Type

Since the problem mentions that 131 Te is produced by irradiating 130 Te in a reactor, this suggests a neutron is added to change the isotope from 130 Te to 131 Te.

03

Select the Correct Reaction

Examine the options provided: A: 130 Te + n → 131 Te B: 130 I + n → 131 Te C: 132 Te + n → 131 Te D: 132 I + n → 131 Te Option A is the correct reaction since it represents the neutron irradiation of 130 Te to produce 131 Te, as described in the problem.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Radioactive Iodine Isotopes

In the realm of nuclear medicine, radioactive iodine isotopes serve crucial roles due to their specific properties. These isotopes are widely used for both imaging and treatment, thanks to their affinity for the thyroid gland. The two main isotopes in use are \(^\{123\}I\) and \(^\{131\}I\). Each has unique characteristics that make them suitable for their respective applications.

\(^\{123\}I\) is predominantly used for diagnostic purposes. It emits gamma rays that are captured by imaging equipment, providing clear images of the thyroid gland. This isotope has a relatively short half-life of about 13.2 hours. This quick decay makes it less hazardous to patients since it reduces radiation exposure over a short period.

On the other hand, \(^\{131\}I\) is utilized for therapeutic purposes. It undergoes beta decay, which helps to destroy thyroid cells, making it effective for treating conditions like hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer. \(^\{131\}I\) has a longer half-life of 8.04 days, allowing it to remain active in the body for enough time to treat the diseased tissue effectively.

Thyroid Imaging and Treatment

In modern medicine, the application of nuclear reactions for thyroid imaging and treatment has become increasingly prevalent. This is largely due to the ability of radioactive iodine to target the thyroid gland specifically.

For thyroid imaging, \(^\{123\}I\) is the isotope of choice. After administration, the isotope is absorbed by the thyroid gland. The gamma rays emitted provide a detailed picture of the gland's structure and function. Physicians use this information to diagnose various thyroid conditions, such as nodules or overactivity.

For treatment purposes, \(^\{131\}I\) is used to deliver targeted therapeutic effects. The beta particles released during its decay destroy excess thyroid tissue. This treatment can be particularly effective in reducing the size of overactive thyroid glands or in eliminating cancerous thyroid cells. \(^\{131\}I\) therapy offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, often with fewer side effects and a quicker recovery time.

Nuclear Reactor Production

Producing radioactive iodine isotopes requires precise nuclear reactions, often conducted in nuclear reactors. These reactors offer controlled environments where isotopes can be generated safely and efficiently.

\(^\{123\}I\) is produced from tellurium (\

Thyroid Imaging and Treatment

In modern medicine, the application of nuclear reactions for thyroid imaging and treatment has become increasingly prevalent. This is largely due to the ability of radioactive iodine to target the thyroid gland specifically. _________173 IDII is the isotope of choice. After administration, the only ttached from these ticks are absorbed before emitted before gamma reward from thick as it littons b antomin_