radioactive isotopes are frequently used in medicine what kind of half life would a medical isotope probably have

HESI A2

Chemistry HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Radioactive isotopes are frequently used in medicine. What kind of half-life would a medical isotope probably have?

A. Seconds-long
B. Days-long
C. Years-long
D. Many years long

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Medical isotopes used in diagnosis and treatment need to have a relatively short half-life to minimize radiation exposure to patients. If the half-life were too long (such as many years) or even years-long, the radiation would persist for too long and could be harmful to the patient. Seconds-long half-lives would not provide enough time for the isotope to be effective. Days-long half-lives strike a balance between providing enough time for the isotope to be used effectively and minimizing radiation exposure.

2. What is the normal body temperature in °C?

A. 36°C
B. 37°C
C. 35°C
D. 40°C

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The normal body temperature for humans is 37°C. This temperature is considered average and is a standard reference point for assessing an individual's health status. It is essential for the body to maintain this temperature to ensure optimal functioning of various physiological processes. Choice A (36°C) is incorrect as it is slightly below the normal body temperature. Choice C (35°C) is also incorrect as it is significantly lower than the normal body temperature. Choice D (40°C) is incorrect as it is significantly higher than the normal body temperature and would indicate a fever or other health issue.

3. What is matter that has a definite shape and volume?

A. Liquid
B. Solid
C. Gas
D. Plasma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Matter that has a definite shape and volume is referred to as a solid. Solids maintain their shape and volume under normal conditions, unlike liquids that have a definite volume but take the shape of their container, gases that have neither a definite shape nor volume, and plasma which is a state of matter with no definite shape or volume and consists of charged particles.

4. What are positively charged ions called?

A. Neutrons
B. Protons
C. Cations
D. Electrons

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Positively charged ions are called cations. When an atom loses electrons, it becomes positively charged and is referred to as a cation. Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus of an atom, not charged. Protons are positively charged particles in the nucleus. Electrons are negatively charged particles orbiting the nucleus, not positively charged ions.

5. What is the correct formula for potassium chloride?

A. NaCl
B. KCl
C. KCl
D. ClK

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct formula for potassium chloride is KCl. In chemical formulas, the symbol for the cation (positive ion) comes first followed by the symbol for the anion (negative ion). Potassium is represented by the symbol K, while chloride is represented by the symbol Cl. Therefore, the formula for potassium chloride is KCl. Choice A (NaCl) is the formula for sodium chloride, not potassium chloride. Choice C is a duplicate of choice B, and choice D (ClK) is an incorrect arrangement of the symbols for potassium and chloride.