Gamma Cameras

This resource from the Institute of Physics (IOP), describes how cameras sensitive to gamma radiation can be used to image the body. The video, taken from an IOP Schools and Colleges lecture, briefly describes the history of the discovery of radioactivity and how the first particle accelerators could be used to make radioactive material. Alpha, beta and gamma rays are discussed. Elements in the periodic table that can be used as radioactive tracers inside the body are identified. The technology behind gamma ray imaging is explained and two examples of medical imaging are described. The teachers' notes contain an introduction to gamma ray imaging, lesson notes linked to the PowerPoint and a mark scheme for the worksheet. The worksheet contains questions that could be used as a summative test on the topic (10 marks). The presentation has animated slides which show gamma imaging of the body using Technitium, including an example graph of half-life for Tc99.