WBCS.LIVE practice question

Which highly specific radioactive element isotope is used as a long-lasting power source in heart pacemakers?

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. Uranium-235
  2. Plutonium-238
  3. Radium-226
  4. Cobalt-60

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Plutonium-238

Explanation: āœ… Correct Answer: B) Plutonium-238 šŸ“š Explanation: Plutonium-238 is an incredibly powerful alpha-emitting radioactive isotope. In the 1970s, it was heavily utilized in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) to power cardiac pacemakers. Its massive advantage was its incredibly long half-life of 87.7 years, ensuring the pacemaker's battery would easily outlast the patient without ever needing surgical replacement.