19. Uses of Radioactivity

Radioactive isotopes are employed as tracers to detect flaws like fractures and leaks in the manufacturing industry. Isotope like radio cobalt \(_{27}Co^{60}\) is used to detect the internal flaws in cast material.

 

Radioactivity can be used to detect packaging flaws as well. Many companies utilise gauges with radioactive sources to monitor the levels of gases, liquids and solids.

 

Radiocarbon dating:

Carbon found in the atmosphere exists as three isotopes like \(_{6}C^{12}\), \(_{6}C^{13}\) and \(_{6}C^{14}\). Out of which, \(_{6}C^{14}\) or \(C -14\) is an unstable isotope with a half-life period of \(5730\ years\). By the action of cosmic rays on atmospheric nitrogen, \(C -14\) is continuously produced in the atmosphere.

 

 

 

\(C -14\) is absorbed by the cells of living things and are maintained in the constant ratio of \(C -14\) \(:\) \(C -12\). But in dead plants or animals, \(C -14\) undergoes radioactive decay without any replenishment. Hence, by determining the ratio \(\frac {(C -14)}{(C -12)}\) in fossils, their age can be determined.

Radiocarbon dating is used to find the age of the Earth, fossils, historical paintings and monuments. In radiocarbon dating, the age of an object is estimated by the amount of radiocarbon present in the object. The age of earth or rocks is estimated by determining the present ratio of \(U -235\) isotope to stable lead isotope.