The FDifferent Uses of Radioactive Materials

Medical Uses of Radioactive Materials

Radiotherapy: Radioactive materials are used to kill cancer cells. These materials emit ionising radiation which damages the DNA in cells, disrupting their growth and division.
Medical imaging: Certain radioactive isotopes can be ingested or injected into the body where they emit gamma radiation, which can be detected by a scanner to create detailed images of the body. This is used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans.
Tracers: Radioactive materials can be used as tracers in the body. These tracers emit radiation that can be detected from outside the body to study the functioning of bodily systems.

Radiography: Radioactive materials that emit gamma rays can be used in industry to check the integrity of materials, for example to detect cracks in metal structures.
Measuring thickness: Some manufacturing processes use beta radiation to gauge and control the thickness of materials such as paper or aluminium sheeting.
Radioactive dating: Scientists use the decay of radioactive isotopes to date objects from the past, measuring the amount of a specific isotope left in a sample to determine its age, a process known as carbon dating.

Nuclear power: Nuclear power stations use the heat from nuclear fission of uranium or plutonium to generate electricity. Nuclear fission is when an unstable atom splits, releasing energy.

Remember, the safety and handling of radioactive materials are of utmost importance due to the harmful effects of ionising radiation.