Cobalt-60 is a radioactive isotope of Co that is used for radiation therapy. It is produced originally from iron-58 ( ) according to the step . Which particle did the iron-58 absorb to become iron-59?

Question

Cobalt-60 is a radioactive isotope of Co that is used for radiation therapy. It is produced originally from iron-58 (  ) according to the step  . Which particle did the iron-58 absorb to become iron-59?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cobalt-60 is produced by bombarding cobalt-59 with neutrons in a nuclear reactor, which causes cobalt-59 to absorb a neutron and become cobalt-60. Therefore, the precursor to cobalt-59, iron-59, must have also absorbed a neutron to become iron-59.

Cobalt-60 Is a Radioactive Isotope of Co That Is Used α\alphaα

Cobalt-60 Is a Radioactive Isotope of Co That Is Used $\alpha$