Radioisotopes: Good or Bad? I say GOOD AND BAD.

Atoms have an exact number of protons, but may have a different number of neutrons due to the “binding energy” that holds them together. If the neutrons are lessened or increased, then there would be a “release” of energy, making the atom radioactive, hence the term “radioisotope.”

Whenever we hear the term isotope or radioisotope, we would already think of Carbon 14 or something, that’s because it has been a common knowledge for some of us that the isotope Carbon 14 is usually used for treating Cancer.

And yes, radioisotopes are able to help us “treat” diseases such as cancer. They also enable doctors do identify the specific areas or parts of the body of patients, so that they know where the problem lies. That’s what radioisotopes can do for us. They help us in locating problems in bodies; they help us in treating diseases and sicknesses, and is widely used in therapies and medicine. They even kill the bacteria in our food, and are sometimes used in the smoke detectors, but as we know, radioisotopes decay as well.

While radioisotopes have a lot of advantages, they have their disadvantages as well. They are radioactive, and can be harmful and kill organisms. If the radioisotopes are given or pointed at a part of the body of a person, which is completely normal, then the radioisotopes would be killing healthy cells, and that would be harmful to the human being. And in addition, we know that isotopes are used in the construction of bombs. So that says a lot about what isotopes can do if in the wrong hands.

I guess isotopes can be both good and bad, depending on the people who use them. The decision still lies on the people, and how they want to manipulate the isotopes, may it be for a good reason and purpose or for a bad one is their decision, but of course, we hope that the isotopes are used for the good reasons such as medicine and treatment.

ISOTOPES, basically are each of two or more forms of the same element that have the same number of protons, but different number of neutrons in their nuclei and hence, differ in relative atomic mass, but not in chemical properties.
And of course, a RADIOISOTOPE, is basically a radioactive isotope.

Isotopes have the same chemical properties with that of the “original” element. But, their physical properties differ. The natural proportions of the isotopes are expressed in the form of an abundance ratio.
Majority of the differences in the physical properties of isotopes come mainly from the differences in mass or the differences in nuclear structure. Due to their difference in masses, their physical properties such as density, rate of diffusion, melting point and boiling point will differ. The small differences in physical properties provide one way in which isotopes can be separated.

So in conclusion, I say radioisotopes are good and bad.

Reference Sources:

http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf55.html

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/296583/isotope/48257/Physical-properties-associated-with-isotopes

Chemistry HL Book (Pearsons)