Which radioisotope requires long-term storage to prevent the risk of biological exposure?

NY Regents Chemistry Exam August 2023 Question 50

50 Which radioisotope requires long-term storage to prevent the risk of biological exposure?

(1) N-16

(2) K-42

(3) Pu-239

(4) Au-198

Solution: We need to look at Table N on the Reference Table. This table shows radioisotopes with their half lives. N-16 has a half life of 7.13 second and would not need long-term storage. K-42 has a half life of 12.36 hours and would not need long term storage. Pu-239 has a half life of 2.410*10^4 years and would need long term storage. Choice 3

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