What is the half-life of Cobalt-60 (60 Co)?

Cobalt-60 has a well-established half-life of approximately 5.26 years. This characteristic makes it particularly useful in various applications, especially in the field of radiation therapy and industrial radiography. The half-life indicates the time it takes for half of the radioactive isotope to decay, which is essential when calculating dosages and planning treatment schedules in medical contexts.

Understanding the half-life of Cobalt-60 is crucial for accurate dosimetry and treatment planning, as it impacts how long the isotope remains effective for therapeutic purposes before the dose decreases significantly. This attribute allows medical professionals to make informed decisions regarding the timing and delivery of radiation treatments.

In contrast, the other options present different isotopes or elements with varying half-lives, which do not apply to Cobalt-60. The accurate knowledge of half-lives in radiation therapy is vital for patient safety and treatment efficacy, highlighting the importance of Cobalt-60's specific half-life in clinical practice.