What is the decay equation for cobalt-60?

Cobalt-60 is a nuclide that β− decays in the following manner: 60Co → 60Ni + β−+ neutrino.

What isotope does cobalt-60 decay into?

Nickel-60
Cobalt-60 decays to Nickel-60 plus an electron and an electron antineutrino. The decay is initially to a nuclear excited state of Nickel-60 from which it emits either one or two gamma ray photons to reach the ground state of the Nickel isotope. This particular radioisotope is historically important for several reasons.

Is cobalt-60 decay spontaneously?

Radioactivity is the spontaneous disintegration of atomic nuclei. This phenomenon was first reported in 1896 by the French physicist Henri Becquerel. The radioactive isotope cobalt 60, which is used in radiation cancer therapy, has, for example, a half-life of 5.26 years. …

Why does cobalt-60 emit gamma rays?

The commonly used sources of radiation are cobalt-60, a radioactive element emitting γ-rays, or an accelerator producing a beam of electrons. Cobalt-60 is produced by neutron bombardment of stable cobalt in a nuclear reactor. Cobalt-60 decays continuously.

What are the hazards of Cobalt 60?

External exposure to large sources of Cobalt-60 can cause skin burns, radiation sickness or death. Most Co-60 that is ingested is excreted in the feces; however, a small amount is absorbed by the liver, kidneys, and bones. Prolonged exposure to airborne particles may result in coughing, gasping, and respiratory sensitivity.

Why is Cobalt 60 used in a treatment of cancer?

Cobalt therapy or cobalt-60 therapy is the medical use of gamma rays from the radioisotope cobalt-60 to treat conditions such as cancer. Beginning in the 1950s, cobalt-60 was widely used in external beam radiotherapy (teletherapy) machines, which produced a beam of gamma rays which was directed into the patient’s body to kill tumor tissue.

What is the nuclear decay equation for Cobalt 60?

The deposited cobalt-60 would have a half-life of 5.27 years, decaying into 60 Ni and emitting two gamma rays with energies of 1.17 and 1.33 MeV, hence the overall nuclear equation of the reaction is: 59 27 Co + n → 60 27 Co → 60 28 Ni + e − + gamma rays. Nickel-60 is a stable isotope and undergoes no further decays after emitting the

What is the half life of cobalt?

Naturally occurring cobalt ( 27 Co) is composed of 1 stable isotope, 59 Co. 28 radioisotopes have been characterized with the most stable being 60Co with a half-life of 5.2714 years, 57 Co with a half-life of 271.8 days, 56 Co with a half-life of 77.27 days, and 58 Co with a half-life of 70.86 days.