Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
Match each isotope with its use.
Isotopes: (1) uranium-235, (2) cobalt-60, (3) iodine-131, (4) carbon-14, (5) americium-241.
Uses: (a) treating goitre, (b) fuel in a nuclear reactor, (c) treating cancer, (d) finding the age of an old bone or piece of wood, (e) making a smoke detector work.
Which two are used in medicine?
Radioactive isotopes have unstable nuclei that give out rays. Uranium-235 is a nuclear fuel, cobalt-60 treats cancer, iodine-131 treats goitre, carbon-14 finds the age of old remains, and americium-241 works in smoke detectors. They are used only under strict safety rules.
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. Fuel. (1) uranium-235 with (b).
Step 2. Medicine. (2) cobalt-60 with (c), and (3) iodine-131 with (a).
Step 3. Dating. (4) carbon-14 with (d).
Step 4. Safety at home. (5) americium-241 with (e).
Answer: 1b, 2c, 3a, 4d, 5e. Cobalt-60 and iodine-131 are used in medicine.
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