Knowra Cobalt-60 Cobalt-60 Cobalt-60 is a radioactive isotope of cobalt that decays to nickel-60, emitting energetic gamma rays used in medicine, sterilization, and industrial inspection.
Beta decay : Radioactive decay in which a nucleus emits an electron or positron and changes its nuclear composition. Cobalt-60 first transforms into excited nickel-60 by emitting a beta particle.
Cobalt therapy : External-beam radiotherapy that uses gamma rays from cobalt-60 sources to treat tumors. This treatment directs cobalt-60 gamma rays toward cancer while limiting exposure to nearby tissue.
Cobalt : A chemical element with atomic number 27, used in alloys, batteries, pigments, and catalysts. Cobalt-60 is one radioactive isotope of this element.
Radiation protection : The practice of limiting exposure to ionizing radiation through time, distance, shielding, and controls. Cobalt-60's penetrating gamma rays require strong shielding and controlled access.
Nickel-60 : A stable isotope of nickel with 28 protons and 32 neutrons. This is the daughter nucleus produced when cobalt-60 undergoes beta decay.
Gamma Knife : A radiosurgery system that focuses many cobalt-60 gamma-ray beams on a small intracranial target. It is a specialized medical use of cobalt-60 sources for precise brain treatment.
Cobalt-59 : The only stable naturally occurring isotope of cobalt, with 27 protons and 32 neutrons. Most cobalt-60 is produced by neutron capture in cobalt-59.
Radiological weapon : A device intended to disperse radioactive material and contaminate an area without a nuclear explosion. Cobalt-60's intense gamma emission has made it a material of concern in radiological security.
Gamma ray : A high-energy photon emitted during nuclear transitions or other energetic processes. Excited nickel-60 releases gamma rays as it settles into a lower-energy state.
Food irradiation : The treatment of food with ionizing radiation to reduce pathogens, pests, or spoilage. Cobalt-60 gamma rays can irradiate food without making it radioactive.
Show all 22