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Cobalt-60 is a very strong gamma emitter and as such is hard to shield. Direct handling is likely to be fatal. Even dozens of feet away from a bare sample of large enough size could expose you to LD50 levels and you will need medical treatment to recover from the radiation poisoning.

Cobalt-60 is commonly used for food irradiation, to kill dangerous organisms. In this case workers operate behind thick leaded concrete shields and the food passes by the sample on conveyer belts. In particular dried spices are treated this way.

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If cobalt-60 emits a gamma ray what is the product?

When cobalt-60 emits a gamma ray, it remains as cobalt-60. The emission of a gamma ray does not change the identity of the cobalt-60 isotope.


How is cobalt-60 radiation useful in preseving fresh fruits and vegetables?

Gamma radiation destroy harmful microorganisms and insects.


Is cobalt 60 natural?

No, cobalt-60 is a synthetic radioactive isotope of cobalt. It is produced by bombarding stable cobalt-59 with neutrons in a nuclear reactor.


Is cobalt harmful to people?

Yes, it is.


What is the half -life of cobalt-60?

Cobalt-60 has an 1/2 life of 5.24 years


What are the causes of the radiological accident in mayapuri?

A cobalt-60 from Delhi University, which was unused for 25 years, was sold to unsuspecting scrap dealers. They then dismantled it and due to the harmful radiation emmited by the cobalt-60 pencils, there were 5 people who were exposed to radiation in which one died.


How is cobalt 60 and cobalt 59 the same element but have different mass numbers?

Cobalt 60 has an extra neutron buit that does not affect chemical properties


What is the equation for transmutation of cobalt?

Cobalt-60 decay to nickel-60:Co-60------------Ni-60 + 1 electron + 1 neutrino + gamma rays


What is the average cost for the cobalt 60?

Cobalt 60 is a radioactive chemical not usually available for sale. Cherolet manufactures the car Cobalt, which can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Its cost is about $30,000.


What is the Heaviest isotope of cobalt?

The only natural isotope of Cobalt is Cobalt-59.


Is cobalt-60 suitable for treatment?

Cobalt 60 is a very valuable radiation source for the treaments of many types of cancers.


How many neutrons does a cobalt-60 atom have?

Since cobalt has an atomic number of 27, any isotope of it contains 27 protons and 27 electrons per atom. The isotope with mass number 60 contains (60 - 27) or 33 neutrons per atom.