Los elementos: el radio

Radium, discovered by Marie Curie, is a highly radioactive element derived from uranium decay. Initially celebrated for its supposed healing properties, radium was used in various products. However, its intense radioactivity poses severe health risks, including cancer. Despite these dangers, radium remains valuable in medicine for treating cancer, as it can target cancer cells more effectively than healthy ones.

What is the primary source of radium?

• Decay of uranium atoms

• Decay of thorium atoms

• Decay of plutonium atoms

• Decay of radon atoms

In the early 20th century, what was one of the products made using radium?

• Radium soap

• Radium hair gel

• Radium face powder

• Radium toothpaste

Why was radium considered dangerous?

• It was corrosive to metals

• It was highly explosive

• It emitted radiation that could damage cells

• It caused immediate burns upon contact

How does radium help in cancer treatment?

• It strengthens the immune system

• It directly kills cancer cells

• It makes cancer cells more visible

• It reduces tumor size by cutting off blood supply

What similarity between radium and calcium poses a health risk?

• Both are found in the bloodstream

• Both are chemically similar

• Both are used in bone formation

• Both are absorbed by the skin