Which of the following characterizes an atomic attribute that renders certain atoms suitable for applications in nuclear medicine and nuclear power generation?

Question

A. Isotopes of an element vary in the quantity of neutrons they possess. Certain stable isotopes are harnessed in the fields of nuclear medicine and nuclear power generation.
B. Isotopes of an element vary in their electron count. Certain unstable isotopes find application in nuclear medicine and the generation of nuclear power.
C. Isotopes of an element vary in the quantity of neutrons they possess. Certain unstable isotopes are utilized in the fields of nuclear medicine and nuclear power generation.
D. Isotopes of an element exhibit variation in their electron counts. Certain stable isotopes find applications in nuclear medicine and nuclear power generation.

Answer 1

The correct characterization of an atomic attribute that renders certain atoms suitable for applications in nuclear medicine and nuclear power generation is:

C. Isotopes of an element vary in the quantity of neutrons they possess. Certain unstable isotopes are utilized in the fields of nuclear medicine and nuclear power generation.

This option correctly states that isotopes have different numbers of neutrons, which affects their stability. In both nuclear medicine and power generation, unstable isotopes (radioisotopes) are the focus, as they undergo radioactive decay, providing energy or useful radiation for medical applications.