(a) Define isotopes. (b) Mention two uses of radioactive tracers in each of the following areas: (\(\alpha\)) medicine (\(\beta\)) industry (\(\gamma\)) agr...

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Labels: isotopes, radioactive tracers, electromagnetic waves, nuclear reactor.

(a) Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

(b)

(i) Radioactive tracers in medicine are used for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Two uses are:

1. PET scans: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans use radioactive tracers to produce three-dimensional images of the body. This helps in the detection and diagnosis of diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, and brain disorders.
2. Radiation therapy: Radioactive tracers can be used to destroy cancer cells. This treatment is called radiation therapy.

(ii) Radioactive tracers in industry are used for various purposes. Two uses are:

1. Oil and gas exploration: Radioactive tracers are used to locate oil and gas deposits underground. This helps in identifying the most profitable locations for drilling.
2. Quality control: Radioactive tracers are used to detect flaws in materials and products during the manufacturing process. This helps to ensure that the final product meets the required quality standards.

(iii) Radioactive tracers in agriculture are used to improve crop production. Two uses are:

1. Soil analysis: Radioactive tracers can be used to determine the nutrients present in the soil. This helps in determining the type and amount of fertilizer needed to improve crop yield.
2. Pest control: Radioactive tracers can be used to study the behavior of pests such as insects and rodents. This helps in developing effective pest control strategies.

(c) Three features of electromagnetic waves are:

1. They are transverse waves.
2. They can travel through a vacuum.
3. They all travel at the same speed in a vacuum.

(d) Four components of the nuclear reactor are:

1. Fuel rods: These contain the fuel (e.g., uranium) that undergoes fission to release energy.
2. Control rods: These are made of materials such as boron or cadmium that can absorb neutrons and control the rate of the nuclear reaction.
3. Moderator: This is a material (e.g., water, graphite) that slows down the neutrons released during fission, making them more likely to cause further fission.
4. Coolant: This is a fluid (e.g., water, liquid sodium) that circulates through the reactor, removing heat and preventing overheating.

(i) The functions of the components are:

1. Fuel rods: To provide the fuel for nuclear fission reactions.
2. Control rods: To regulate the rate of nuclear fission reactions.
3. Moderator: To slow down the neutrons released during fission, increasing the likelihood of further fission.
4. Coolant: To remove heat and prevent overheating of the reactor.