What is the half-life of Cesium-137 (137 Cs)?

The half-life of Cesium-137 (137 Cs) is approximately 30 years. This radioactive isotope is widely used in medical and industrial applications, particularly in radiation therapy for cancer treatment. The half-life is a critical factor because it dictates how quickly the radioactivity of a substance decreases over time, which helps medical dosimetrists plan treatment schedules and dosages effectively.

Understanding the half-life is important in the context of safety and disposal as well. A substance like Cesium-137, with a half-life of about 30 years, poses long-term considerations in terms of its storage, potential environmental impact, and patient safety due to residual radioactivity.

The other options do not accurately reflect the half-life of Cesium-137, with some being related to different isotopes or elements entirely, leading to miscalculations or misunderstandings regarding the timing and effects of radiation exposure in clinical settings.