Types of Radiation

The radioactive radiations are of three types

(alpha), (beta) & (gama) rays. These were sorted out by Rutherford (1902) by passing two oppositely charged plates. The one bending toward the negative plate carried positive charge & were named (alpha) rays. Those bending towards the positive plate and carrying negative charge were (Beta) rays. The third type of radiation being uncharged passed straight through the electric field & were named (gama) rays. (Alpha), (beta) & (gama) rays differ from each other in nature & properties. Their chief properties are a( Velocity) (b) penetrating Power Ionization

Principle of Radiological Technique

All the radilogical technique are based on the radioactive decay. Few radioactive details are : 1. Decay by negatron emission: in this case neutron is converted to a proton by the enjection of a negatively

charged beta () particles called a negatron (-ve) Neutron Proton+Negatron

4 6C1 14 7N +-ve

2. Decay by positron emission:- some isotopes decay by emitting positively charged particles referred to as positron (+ ve). This occurs when a proton is converted to a neutron. Proton Neutron+Positron
11Na 22 10Ne 22++ve

3. Decay by alpha emission:- an alpha particle is a helium nucleus in that it consist of two proton & two neutron (2He4) Emission of - particles, therefore result in a considerable lightening of the nucleus of the nucleus, a decrease in atomic number of two & a decrease in the mass number of four.
226 88Ra 222 4 86Rn + 2He

Detection & Measurement of Radioactivity

The radioactive radiation can be measured & detected by a number of methods, which are as follows: 1. cloud chamber :- This technique is used for detecting radioactivity. The chamber contains air saturated with water vapor, when the position is lowered suddenly, the gas expand & is super cooled, As an - or - particles passes through the gas, ions are created along its path. These ions provide nuclei upon which droplets of water condense. The trail or cloud thus produced marks the track of the particle. The track can be seen through the window above & immediately photographed. Similarly an - or - particles from trail of bubbles as they pass through liquid hydrogen. The bubble chamber method gives better photograph of particle tracks .

 2. Ionization Chamber:- This is the

simplest chamber is fitted with two metal plates separated by air. When radiation passed through this chamber, it knocks electron from gas molecules & positive ions are formed. The free electrons migrate to the anode & positive ions to the cathode. Thus a small passes between the plates. This current can be measured with an ammeter & gives the strength of radiation that passes through the ionization chamber.

 3.Geigar- Muller Counter:- This device is used

for detection & measuring the rate of emission of a - or particles. It consist of a cylindrical metal tube (cathode) & a central wire (anode). The tube is fitting with argon gas at reduced pressure (0.1 atm). A potential difference of about 1000 volts is applied across the electrodes. When an - or - particle enters the tube through the mica window, it ionizes the argon atom along its path. The argon ions are drawn to the cathode & electron to anode. Thus for a fraction of second, a pulse of electric current flows between the electrodes & completes the circuit around. Each electric pulse marks the entry of one - or particle into the tube & is recorded in an automatic counter.

 4.Scintillation Counter :- Rutherford

used spinthariscope for the detection & counting of - particles. The radioactive substances mounted on the tip of the wire emitted -particles. Each particle on striking the zinc sulphide screen produced a flash of light. These flashes of light (scintillation) could be seen through the eye-piece. With this device it was possible to count -particles from 50 to 200 per second.

 5. Applications of radioisotopes in biological

science A). Investigation of metabolic pathways:.Radioactivity is located either by using a Geiger chromatogram scanner or by placing the chromatogram in contact with X-ray film for a suitable exposure time. By identifying the labeled compounds, counting the radioactivity in each of them and plotting suitable graphs, it is possible to obtain considerable information on the metabolic pathways involved. B). Use of radioisotopes in studies of absorption and translocation:- Radioisotopes have been very widely used in studying the mechanism and rate absorption and translocation of inorganic and organic compounds by both plants and animals. C). Clinical applications of radioisotopes:Radioisotopes are very widely used in medicine in particular of diagnosis tests. Lungs function tests routinely made using 133 xenon (133xe) are particularly useful in diagnosis of malfunctions of lung ventilation . Iodohippuric acid are used in diagnosis of kidney infections, kidney blockages or imbalance of function between the two kidneys. Thyroid function tests using 131Iare employed in the diagnosis of hypo- and hyperthroidism.

 D) Radio dating:- A Quite different use

for radioisotopes is in the dating of rocks, fossils and sediments. For the long dating, isotopoes with long half lives are necessary, such as 235U, 238M and 40K whereas for shorter term dating 14C is widely used. E) Use of radioisotopes in sterilization of food and equipment :- very short gamma emitters are now widely used in the food industry for sterilization of prepacked foods such as milk and meats. Normally either 60Co 137Ce is used. 60Co 137Ce are also used in sterilization of plastic drugs which are administered the injection.

Uses of Radioactivity
1. 2. 3.

4.
5.

6. 7.

Preservation of Food Grains and Seeds. Some of the isotopes are used in the treatment of cancer. Some of the isotopes are used to study the proper functioning of internal organ. Gamma radiation are used to sterilize the surgical instrument. Radio phosphorous is used for studying the rate of phosphorous assimilation by the plant. It is used for finding out the faults in metal structures. It is used for preparing synthetic elements( artificial transmuatation).

Conclusion
Radiological technique are those technique which are based on the use of radioactivity elements or radioisotopes for various purposes like investigation of metabolic pathways, radiodating, diagnosis of diseases etc. Radioisotopes are the unstable isotopes which undergo spontaneous nuclear changers accompanied by the emission of particulate & sometimes also electromagnetic radiations. The radioactive radiation are to three types (alpha) (beta) (gamma) rays. Some important methods are Cloud Chamber Ionization Chamber, Geigar-Muller Counter, Scintillation Counter & Film Badges. The range of application of radioisotope is enormous & the data accrued from the use of radioisotopes have a great contribution in the biological science in the last few decades.