Problems and Solutions in Medical Physics

Nuclear Medicine Physics

Kwan Hoong Ng, Chai Hong Yeong, Alan Christopher Perkins, Alan Perkins

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Year: 2019
• eBook ISBN: 9780429627484
• Topic: Physical Sciences
• Subtopic: Biotechnology in Medicine

The second in a three-volume set exploring Problems and Solutions in Medical Physics, this volume explores common questions and their solutions in Nuclear Medicine. This invaluable study guide should be used in conjunction with other key textbooks in the field to provide additional learning opportunities.

Topics include radioactivity and nuclear transformation, radionuclide production and radiopharmaceuticals, non-imaging detectors and counters, instrumentation for gamma imaging, SPECT and PET/CT, imaging techniques, radionuclide therapy, internal radiation dosimetry, and quality control and radiation protection in nuclear medicine. Each chapter provides examples, notes, and references for further reading to enhance understanding.

Features:

• Consolidates concepts and assists in the understanding and applications of theoretical concepts in medical physics
• Assists lecturers and instructors in setting assignments and tests
• Suitable as a revision tool for postgraduate students sitting medical physics, oncology, and radiology sciences examinations

Radioactivity and Nuclear Transformation

1

1.1 NUCLEAR STABILITY CURVE

PROBLEM

Figure 1.1 shows the nuclear stability curve. Name the types of radioactive decays that tend to happen at regions A, B and C.

Solution

A: Beta decay

B: Positron emission or electron capture

C: Alpha decay

FIGURE 1.1 Nuclear stability curve.

1.2 ALPHA DECAY

PROBLEM

Explain the radioactive decay process through alpha decay. Your answer should include the physical principle, mechanism and decay equation.

Solution

Alpha decay is the spontaneous emission of an alpha particle (${}_2{}^{4}He$ or α) from an unstable nucleus (Figure 1.2). It typically occurs for heavy nuclides (A > 150 or Z > 83) when the nuclear binding energy can no longer hold the nucleons together. Alpha decay is often followed by gamma or characteristic X-ray emission resulting from the competing processes, such as internal conversion and Auger electron emission. An alpha particle has two protons and two neutrons and carries an electronic charge of 2+. Alpha decay can be expressed by the following equation:

${}_Z{}^{A}X\to {}_{Z-2}{}^{A-4}Y+{}_2{}^{4}He+transitionenergy$

FIGURE 1.2 Graphical illustration of alpha decay.

1.3 BETA DECAY

PROBLEM

Explain the radioactive decay process through beta decay. Your answer should include the physical principle, mechanism and decay equation.

Solution

When a nucleus has an excessive number of neutrons compared to protons (i.e. high N/Z ratio), the excess neut...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Series Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Table of Contents
• About the series
• Preface
• Authors
• Acknowledgements
• List of abbreviations
• List of physical constants
• 1 Radioactivity and Nuclear Transformation
• 2 Radionuclide Production and Radiopharmaceuticals
• 3 Non-imaging Detectors and Counters
• 4 Instrumentation for Gamma Imaging
• 5 SPECT and PET Imaging
• 6 Imaging Techniques in Nuclear Medicine
• 7 Radionuclide Therapy
• 8 Internal Radiation Dosimetry
• 9 Quality Control in Nuclear Medicine
• 10 Radiation Protection in Nuclear Medicine
• Bibliography