What is the half-life of Radium-226 (226Ra)?

The half-life of Radium-226 (226Ra) is indeed 1626 years. This means that after this time period, half of the original amount of Radium-226 will have decayed into its daughter products. Understanding half-life is crucial in medical dosimetry and radiology, as it helps in determining the appropriate timing for treatments, understanding the radiological safety, and managing the biological effects of radiation exposure.

Radium-226 is a naturally occurring radioactive isotope and was historically used in various medical applications, including cancer treatment. Its long half-life reflects its stability in comparison to isotopes with shorter half-lives, which decay more rapidly and produce higher levels of radiation over shorter time spans. This characteristic makes Radium-226 suitable for specific therapeutic uses where a sustained level of radiation is beneficial.