What kind of emitter is 90Sr?

Strontium-90 (90Sr) is primarily known as a beta emitter, which means it releases beta particles during its radioactive decay process. Specifically, it decays via beta decay, which involves the transformation of a neutron into a proton, accompanied by the emission of a beta particle (an electron) and an antineutrino.

The characteristics of 90Sr as a beta emitter are significant in various applications, including medical treatments and environmental studies, since the energy of the emitted beta particles can be utilized for therapeutic purposes in radiation therapy.

While the option that describes 90Sr as a pure beta emitter is also closely related, as it does primarily emit beta particles, the broader classification as a beta emitter captures its decay properties accurately. Understanding these details of 90Sr is essential for those in the field of medical dosimetry, as it informs safe handling, use in clinical settings, and implications for patient treatment protocols.