UPSC Prelims 1999·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

Cobalt-60 is commonly used in radiation therapy because it emits

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. Aalpha rays.
  2. Bbeta rays.
  3. Cgamma rays.Correct
  4. DX-rays.

Explanation

Cobalt-60 is a radioactive isotope of cobalt that undergoes radioactive decay. During this process, it first emits a beta particle to transform into Nickel-60. However, the resulting Nickel-60 is in an excited state and immediately releases its excess energy by emitting high-energy gamma rays. These gamma rays are highly penetrating and possess enough energy to destroy the DNA of cancerous cells, making them effective for treating deep-seated tumors in radiation therapy. While beta particles are emitted during the initial decay, it is the powerful gamma radiation that is utilized for medical treatment.
science-and-technology: Cobalt-60 is commonly used in radiation therapy because it emits

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