Promethium-147 is a radioactive isotope of the element promethium, which is a rare earth metal. It is primarily used in medical and industrial applications due to its unique radioactive properties.
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Promethium-147 has a half-life of 2.6 years, meaning it takes 2.6 years for half of the radioactive atoms to decay.
The primary mode of decay for promethium-147 is beta particle emission, which can be used for various applications.
Promethium-147 is used in luminous paints, thickness gauges, and as a power source for cardiac pacemakers.
Due to its low-energy beta particles, promethium-147 is considered relatively safe to handle compared to other radioactive isotopes.
Exposure to promethium-147 can lead to radiation sickness, including nausea, fatigue, and increased cancer risk, depending on the dose and duration of exposure.
Review Questions
Explain the significance of the half-life of promethium-147 in the context of its biological effects.
The half-life of promethium-147, which is 2.6 years, is an important factor in understanding its biological effects. A shorter half-life means the radioactive material decays more rapidly, releasing energy in the form of ionizing radiation over a shorter period. This can affect the dose and duration of exposure, influencing the potential for radiation sickness and increased cancer risk. The half-life also determines the useful lifespan of promethium-147 in medical and industrial applications, where its radioactive properties are utilized.
Describe the role of the rare earth metal properties of promethium in its biological effects.
As a rare earth metal, promethium shares similar chemical properties with other elements in this group, such as reactivity and the ability to form compounds. These properties can influence how promethium interacts with biological systems, potentially leading to unique absorption, distribution, and metabolism patterns within the body. Additionally, the rarity of promethium and the challenges in obtaining it may impact its availability and use in medical or industrial applications, which could affect the potential for exposure and the overall management of its biological effects.
Analyze the relationship between the mode of decay of promethium-147 and its potential for causing radiation sickness.
Promethium-147 primarily undergoes beta particle emission during radioactive decay, which involves the ejection of high-energy electrons from the nucleus. These beta particles can penetrate the skin and interact with biological tissues, potentially causing ionization and cellular damage. The energy and penetration depth of the beta particles emitted by promethium-147 are relatively low compared to other types of ionizing radiation, making it relatively safer to handle. However, prolonged or high-dose exposure to promethium-147 can still lead to radiation sickness, including nausea, fatigue, and an increased risk of cancer, depending on the specific exposure scenario and individual susceptibility.
Related terms
Radioactive Isotope: An unstable atom that undergoes radioactive decay, emitting ionizing radiation in the form of particles or energy.
Rare Earth Metal: A group of 17 elements on the periodic table that have similar chemical properties and are often found together in mineral deposits.
Ionizing Radiation: High-energy radiation that has enough power to remove electrons from atoms, creating charged particles called ions.