Radioactive Element used in Heart Pacemakers
Which radioactive element is used in heart pacemakers?
- Uranium
- Deuterium
- Plutonium
- Radium
Answer: Plutonium
Plutonium is a radioactive chemical element with the symbol Pu and atomic number 94. It is an actinide metal of silvery-gray appearance that tarnishes when exposed to air, and forms a dull coating when oxidized.
There are five ‘common’ isotopes of plutonium, Pu-238, Pu-239, Pu-240, Pu-241, and Pu-242. These are all ‘fissionable’ – the atom’s nucleus can easily split apart if it is struck by a neutron.
Different uses have been found for plutonium. Plutonium-238 has been used to power batteries for some heart pacemakers, as well as provide a long-lived heat source to power NASA space missions. Like uranium, plutonium can also be used to fuel nuclear power plants.
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