Radioactivity — Part 2: Uses, hazards and nuclear energy: visual lesson, ICSE Class 10 Physics (Science Paper 1)

Lesson

Helpful and harmful

Part 2 — radiation can cure cancer and power cities, but it can also damage living cells. Using it safely means understanding both sides.

In this lesson you will

Give uses of radioisotopes in medicine, industry and agriculture
Describe harmful effects, background radiation and safety precautions
Distinguish nuclear fission from fusion with equations
Explain why nuclear waste must be disposed of safely

Table pairing uses of radioactivity with their risks
Use	Risk
Cancer treatment with cobalt-60	Damage to healthy tissue
Nuclear power stations	Radioactive waste
Tracers in medicine and farming	Exposure if handled carelessly

Concept

Uses of radioisotopes

Medicine: cobalt-60 (γ) to destroy cancer cells (radiotherapy); iodine-131 to diagnose and treat thyroid disorders; sterilising surgical instruments with γ rays. Industry: detecting leaks in underground pipes; checking the thickness of paper or metal sheets; finding flaws in welds. Agriculture: phosphorus-32 as a tracer to study how plants take up fertiliser; preserving food and producing improved seed varieties. Dating: carbon-14 to find the age of old wood and bones.

Table of radioisotopes and their uses in different fields
Field	Radioisotope	Use
Medicine	Cobalt-60	Radiotherapy for cancer
Medicine	Iodine-131	Thyroid diagnosis and treatment
Agriculture	Phosphorus-32	Tracer for fertiliser uptake
Archaeology	Carbon-14	Dating ancient remains
Industry	γ sources	Checking welds and pipe leaks

Check your understanding

Quick check: uses

Match a radioisotope with its use.

Question: Multiple choice

Multiple choice1 mark

Which radioisotope is used in hospitals as a source of γ rays to destroy cancer cells?

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