What type of radiation is emitted from radioactive isotopes used in medical therapies?

Radioactive isotopes used in medical therapies can emit various types of radiation, including alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays, depending on the specific isotope and the nature of the decay process it undergoes.

Alpha particles are composed of two protons and two neutrons and are generally emitted by heavy isotopes. They have high mass and charge, which limits their penetration ability, making them less suitable for certain medical therapies but effective for targeting localized tissue damage.

Beta particles, which are electrons or positrons, come from isotopes that undergo beta decay. They are more penetrating than alpha particles and can be used for therapeutic applications in conditions such as cancer, where they can damage rapidly dividing cells.

Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate deeply into tissue. They are often used in imaging and therapeutic procedures because of their ability to pass through the body and deliver targeted doses of radiation to tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Since all these radiation types can be emitted by different radioactive isotopes utilized in medical treatments, the answer encompasses the variety of isotopes and their associated emissions. This is crucial for understanding how different radioactive materials are applied in medical therapies to achieve the desired therapeutic effects while managing their varying interactions with biological tissues.