Beta Decay of Iodine-131

¹³¹I → ¹³¹Xe + e⁻ + ν̄_e + γ

Overview

Iodine-131 beta decays to xenon-131 with a half-life of 8.02 days, also emitting gamma radiation. I-131 concentrates in the thyroid gland due to the thyroid's uptake of iodine. This makes it both a medical tool (diagnostic and therapeutic) and a health hazard in nuclear accidents.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Iodine I	1	(s)
Product	Xenon Xe	1	(g)

Everyday Example

After the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents, potassium iodide tablets were distributed to block I-131 uptake by saturating the thyroid with stable iodine.

Industrial Importance

I-131 is used to treat hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer (radioiodine therapy), and in diagnostic thyroid scans.

Properties

Type: Nuclear
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -97000000.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Carbon-14 Beta Decay of Cesium-137 Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Beta Decay of Potassium-40

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Beta Decay of Iodine-131?

The balanced equation is: ¹³¹I → ¹³¹Xe + e⁻ + ν̄ₑ + γ.

What type of reaction is Beta Decay of Iodine-131?

Beta Decay of Iodine-131 is a nuclear reaction.

Is Beta Decay of Iodine-131 exothermic or endothermic?

Beta Decay of Iodine-131 is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -97000000.0 kJ/mol.