Q. 5.7 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Write the atomic symbol for each of the following isotopes used in nuclear medicine:
a.$\mathrm{copper}-64$
b. $\mathrm{selenium}-75$
c. $\mathrm{sodium}-24$
d. $\mathrm{nitrogen}-15$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Part(a) Atomic symbol is ${}_{29}{}^{64}\mathrm{Cu}$

Part(b) Atomic symbol is ${}_{34}{}^{75}\mathrm{Se}$

Part(c) Atomic symbol is ${}_{11}{}^{24}\mathrm{Na}$

Part(d) Atomic symbol is ${}_7{}^{15}\mathrm{N}$

Part(a) Step 1 : Given information

We need to find atomic symbol for $\mathrm{copper}-64$

Part(a) Step 2 : Simplify

As we know copper-$64$ is a positron and beta emitting copper isotope with molecular radiotherapy and positron emission tomography applications.

Its atomic symbol is ${}_{29}{}^{64}\mathrm{Cu}$

Part(b) Step 1 : Given information

We need to find atomic symbol for  $\mathrm{selenium}-75$

Part(b) Step 2 : Simplify

As we know $\mathrm{Selenium}-75$ sources have those advantageous features above $\mathrm{Iridium}-192$ in non-destructive testing (NDT) of thinner-walled steel surfaces, and even some health and safety benefits.

Its atomic symbol is ${}_{34}{}^{75}\mathrm{Se}$

Part(c) Step 1 : Given information

We need to find atomic symbol for $\mathrm{sodium}-24$

Part(c) Step 2 : Simplify

$\mathrm{Sodium} 24$ is an electrolyte tracer which is used to evaluate whether a person's sodium uptake concentrations are all within acceptable bounds.

Its atomic symbol is ${}_{11}{}^{24}\mathrm{Na}$

Part(d) Step 1 : Given information

We need to find atomic symbol for $\mathrm{nitrogen}-15$

Part(d) Step 2 : Simplify

$\mathrm{Nitrogen}-15$, a stable radioisotope of nitrogen that is also an important plant nutrient, is being used to evaluate crop fertiliser effectiveness.

Its atomic symbol is ${}_7{}^{15}\mathrm{N}$