Barium-138 isotope

Barium-138 is a radioactive isotope of Barium, a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the alkaline earth metal group. Its chemical symbol is Ba, and its atomic number is 56. Barium-138 has a half-life of 12.8 days and undergoes beta decay to produce the stable isotope, Lanthanum-138. Barium-138 has several applications in nuclear medicine, primarily in radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer. This isotope can be used as a radioactive tracer to detect and locate tumors in the body. It emits high-energy beta particles that can destroy cancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Barium-138 is also used in radiography, where it helps to visualize the gastrointestinal tract and diagnose gastrointestinal disorders. From a chemical perspective, Barium-138 has similar properties to other barium isotopes. It has a high affinity for oxygen and reacts readily with water to form Ba(OH)2, a strong alkaline solution. Barium compounds are used in a variety of industrial applications, including the production of rubber, glass, and fireworks. However, barium is also known to be toxic, and exposure to high levels of barium can cause serious health problems. In conclusion, Barium-138 is an important isotope with applications in nuclear medicine and radiography. Its unique properties make it a valuable tool for detecting and treating cancer, as well as diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders. However, its toxicity requires careful handling and regulation in industrial settings.