Which radioactive isotope has a half-life of 14.3 days?

Prepare for the WUSTL Radiation Safety Test with quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Perfect your understanding of radiation safety principles and boost your chances of success!

The correct choice regarding the radioactive isotope with a half-life of 14.3 days is Phosphorus-32. This isotope is commonly used in biochemical research and medical applications, particularly in the field of radiolabeling. Its half-life of 14.3 days makes it suitable for various experiments and treatments, as it provides a manageable duration of radioactivity for short-term studies while still being effective in terms of radioactive decay.

Phosphorus-32 emits beta particles, which allows it to be utilized in certain types of radiation therapy, especially in treating certain cancers. Its relatively short half-life also means it will decay to a stable state without leaving long-term radioactive contaminants, which is a key consideration in both laboratory and clinical settings.

Understanding the half-lives of different isotopes is crucial for their appropriate application in both research and medical diagnostics or treatments, thus highlighting the importance of knowing which isotopes are applicable for specific tasks.

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