Why isn't carbon 14 useful in nuclear medicine.
Question asked by: nick90
Asked on: 05 Feb 2010
The half life is way too long at about 5,700 years.
This makes it great for dating really old things, but it means that when it is added to the body it doesn\'t break down quickly enough for medicine they need really unstable isotopes, in the sense of decaying down to something that is safe for the body quickly and therefore not subjecting them to lots of radiation for a long period of time.
Plus your body naturally contains carbon-14 taken in from your food so this might confuse matters too.
By: knowitall
Replied at: 07 Feb 2010
Rate Answer
Comment or provide your answer to this question
No comments have been added to this question "Why isn't carbon 14 useful in nuclear medicine.".
No comments have been added to this question "Why isn't carbon 14 useful in nuclear medicine.".
Ask a New Question
Find out more about Biology
Find out more about Biology
Biology Questions and Answers
animal classification Questions and Answers
Next question: biology
Become a Member! It's Free >>>
Share on Facebook: 
On Twitter:
Tweet this!
Question Keywords
nuclear medicine useful isnt carbon
More Questions:Offspring Blood Types
What Is The Eyeball Made Of?
Phloem And Parenchyma
Why Don't Animal Cells Have Chloroplasts?
When Does The Body Secrete Adrenalin?