Problem 134 - A Complete Resource Book in Chemistry for JEE Main

Question

Match the following Column-I (a) \(\mathrm{P}^{32}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Na}^{24}\) (c) \(\mathrm{Co}^{60}\) (d) \(I^{131}\) Column-II (p) Location of tumour in the brain (q) Location of blood clots and circulatory disorders (r) Radiotherapy (s) Agricultural research

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) - (s), (b) - (q), (c) - (r), (d) - (p)

Step 1: Understanding Radioisotopes in Column I

Column I lists specific radioisotopes: (a) \( \mathrm{P}^{32} \), (b) \( \mathrm{Na}^{24} \), (c) \( \mathrm{Co}^{60} \), and (d) \( I^{131} \). These radioisotopes have specific applications in medicine, research, and industry due to their radioactive properties.

Step 2: Recognizing Applications in Column II

Column II provides the potential applications of the radioisotopes: (p) Location of tumour in the brain, (q) Location of blood clots and circulatory disorders, (r) Radiotherapy, and (s) Agricultural research.

Step 3: Matching \( \mathrm{P}^{32} \) with its Application

The isotope \( \mathrm{P}^{32} \) is commonly used in agricultural research to study phosphorus uptake in plants. Therefore, (a) \( \mathrm{P}^{32} \) matches with (s) Agricultural research.

Step 4: Matching \( \mathrm{Na}^{24} \) with its Application

\( \mathrm{Na}^{24} \) is used in medical diagnostics, particularly to detect blood clots and monitor circulatory disorders. Therefore, (b) \( \mathrm{Na}^{24} \) matches with (q) Location of blood clots and circulatory disorders.

Step 5: Matching \( \mathrm{Co}^{60} \) with its Application

\( \mathrm{Co}^{60} \) is widely used in radiotherapy to treat cancer, due to its ability to emit gamma rays that kill cancer cells. Therefore, (c) \( \mathrm{Co}^{60} \) matches with (r) Radiotherapy.

Step 6: Matching \( I^{131} \) with its Application

\( I^{131} \) is primarily used for thyroid treatments and diagnostic tests to locate tumors, especially in the brain. Therefore, (d) \( I^{131} \) matches with (p) Location of tumour in the brain.

Key Concepts

Medical applications of radioisotopes

Radioisotopes are incredibly valuable in the field of medicine. They allow for the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. Here's how they are utilized:

• Diagnostic Imaging: Certain radioisotopes are injected into the body and their progress is monitored. For example, \( ext{Na}^{24} \) helps in detecting blood clots and circulatory issues by showcasing blood flow patterns.
• Locating Tumors: Iodine-131 \( ( ext{I}^{131}) \) is commonly used in determining thyroid function and location of tumors, like those in the brain, by concentrating in the thyroid gland.
• Treatment: Radioisotopes can also be used in treating illnesses. They emit radiation that can reduce or eliminate unwanted tissues. \( ext{Co}^{60} \), for example, emits gamma rays that are particularly effective in targeting cancer cells.

These applications highlight how radioisotopes have revolutionized medical diagnostics and treatment, providing tools for effective healthcare.

Radiotherapy

One of the key uses of radioisotopes is in radiotherapy - a treatment that uses radiation to control or eliminate cancer cells.

Radiotherapy can be external or internal, with isotopes like \( ext{Co}^{60} \) being integral in this treatment due to its gamma ray emission. Here's what makes radiotherapy so effective:

• Targeted Treatment: Radiation can be directed precisely at cancerous cells, minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
• Effective on Various Cancers: This method is used on many types of cancers, both internal and superficial.
• Combining Treatments: Often used alongside surgery and chemotherapy, radiotherapy enhances the chances of treatment success by shrinking tumors before surgical removal.

The precision of radiotherapy, aided by radioisotopes like \( ext{Co}^{60} \), makes it a cornerstone in modern cancer treatment.

Agricultural research

Radioisotopes have also found significant applications in the field of agriculture. They help researchers improve plant breeding and study nutrient uptake.

For instance, \( ext{P}^{32} \) is commonly used to track the movement of phosphorus in plants. This is crucial as phosphorus is a vital nutrient for plant growth.

Here are some specific applications in agricultural research:

• Nutrient Cycling: Radioisotopes help in studying how nutrients are absorbed and utilized by plants, leading to more efficient fertilization methods.
• Pest Control: Sterile insect technique involves irradiating male pests, which when released mate but do not produce offspring, thus controlling pest populations without harmful chemicals.
• Varietal Development: Mutations induced by radiation can lead to the development of new plant varieties that are more resistant to diseases and environmental stresses.

Through these research methodologies, radioisotopes contribute significantly to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.