Biology Iodine 131 for hyperthyroidism (β- disintegration)

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Iodine-131 undergoes β-disintegration, resulting in the formation of an excited xenon nucleus (Xe*), which subsequently emits γ photons. The confusion arises from the misconception that the iodine nucleus itself emits γ photons; instead, it is the excited state of the xenon that does so. Scintigraphy detects these γ photons, specifically the 364 keV emitted by the Xe*, which is crucial for imaging in hyperthyroidism diagnosis. Understanding this process clarifies the mechanism behind the detection of γ photons in scintigraphy. The key takeaway is that while iodine-131 disintegrates, it is the resulting xenon that is responsible for the γ photon emissions detected in medical imaging.
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Homework Statement
Which particle would a scintigraphy detect? (
Relevant Equations
I --> Xe* + e- + antineutrino
Hi,
I'm struggling to understand an answer in my MCQ.
It states that a scintigraphy would detect γ photons emitted by the iodine's nucleus, and the answer was correct.
But I don't understand how it would detect γ photons from the iodine's nucleus since it disintegrates by forming Xe*, an electron and an antineutrino. So even if it is caused by an electronic rearrangement due to the appearance of a new electron, it would emit a X photon.
To a certain extent, we could say that excited Xe nucleus would emit γ photons but I really don't understand how the iodine's nucleus could emit γ photons...
Can someone please explain to me thank you!
 
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The Xe* emits a 364 keV gamma which is the main photon detected in the scintigraphy procedure.
 
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