The radioactive isotope ${ }_{27}^{60} \mathrm{Co}$ which is used in the treatment of cancer can be made by…
The radioactive isotope ${ }_{27}^{60} \mathrm{Co}$ which is used in the treatment of cancer can be made by $(n, p)$ reaction. For this reaction the target nucleus is:
${ }_{28}^{59} \mathrm{Ni}$
${ }_{27}^{59} \mathrm{Co}$
${ }_{28}^{60} \mathrm{Ni}$
${ }_{27}^{60} \mathrm{Co}$
Solution
${ }_{28}^{60} \mathrm{Ni}+{ }_0 n^1 \longrightarrow{ }_{27}^{60} \mathrm{Co}+{ }_1^1 \mathrm{P}$
Related Theory
Cobalt therapy is the medical use of gamma rays from the radioisotope cobalt-60 to treat cancer.
Caution
$(n, p)$ means that neutron attacks and proton liberated respectively.