Question

a radioisotope is called a tracer when it is used to

Answer 1

I know this sounds stupid but it is called a tracer when it traces. For example, in the reaction CH3COOH + HOCH3 --> CH3COOCH3 + H2O we would like to know which H and/or which O atoms are involved. It could be the EITHER O on the CH3COOH or the O on the HOCH3. So what we do is make a batch of CH3OH with a radioactive O atom, then let the chemicals react and follow the reaction with the tracer. If the H2O is formed with the HO of the CH3OH and an H on CH3COOH the radio oxygen will be in the H2O formed. If not the H2O formed will not contain any of the radio oxygen. You can trace the oxygen and know which O atoms are involved.

Answer 2

boi do ur own homework