Problem 75 - Chemistry: An Atoms-Focused Approach

Question

Gadolinium-153 decays by electron capture. What type of radiation does \(^{153}\) Gd produce that makes it useful for imaging?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer: The decay of Gadolinium-153 by electron capture produces gamma radiation, which is useful for imaging purposes due to its high penetrating power and ability to provide clear images of internal structures within the body.

Step 1: Understanding Electron Capture

Electron capture is a process in which an unstable nucleus captures one of its inner-shell electrons, resulting in the conversion of a proton into a neutron. This type of decay does not emit an alpha or beta particle, but often produces gamma radiation, which is useful in medical applications.

Step 2: Decaying Gadolinium-153

In the case of Gadolinium-153, the nucleus decays by electron capture and transforms itself into Europium-153 (^{153}Eu) following the capture of one of its inner-shell electrons. The equation for this decay is: \[ ^{153}Gd + e^- \rightarrow ^{153}Eu \]

Step 3: Identifying the Type of Radiation Produced

The decay of Gadolinium-153 by electron capture often results in the emission of gamma radiation, a high-energy form of electromagnetic radiation. Gamma radiation has high penetrating power, which makes it ideal for imaging purposes. Gamma photons produced following the decay of ^{153}Gd have an energy of about 100 keV.

Step 4: Explaining Why Gamma Radiation is Useful for Imaging

Gamma radiation's high-energy photons have excellent penetrating power, allowing them to pass through various materials with minimal absorption. This property makes gamma radiation ideal for imaging applications, such as gamma-ray cameras used in nuclear medicine imaging. When gamma radiation from a radioactive tracer, such as ^{153}Gd, interacts with a gamma camera, the camera detects the emitted gamma photons and forms an image based on the distribution of the radioactive tracer in the body. This imaging technique allows for the examination of specific organs or tissues of the body without invasive procedures, making it a valuable diagnostic tool. In conclusion, Gadolinium-153's decay by electron capture produces gamma radiation, which makes it useful for imaging applications in nuclear medicine due to its high penetrating power and ability to provide clear images of internal structures within the body.