Cobalt-60, a radioisotope, is used in hospitals:
Correct answer: B. to damage the cancer cells
- A. for X-rays image
- B. to damage the cancer cells
- C. to damage the healthy cells
- D. for surgical equipment sterilization
Explanation
Cobalt 60 emits penetrating gamma rays used in radiotherapy to destroy cancer cells, and the beam is aimed to spare healthy tissue. X ray images are made with X ray tubes rather than radioisotopes, and while gamma rays are also used for sterilisation, the hospital use asked about is cancer treatment.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2026 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Biological and Medical Uses of Radiation
Radiation in medicine includes X-rays and gamma rays for imaging, radioactive tracers for diagnosis, and controlled radiation for destroying cancerous tissue. The topic also covers CT scans, PET imaging, radiotherapy, sterilisation, half-life and dosage, alongside biological damage, shielding and the need to balance diagnostic or therapeutic benefit against exposure.
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