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gadolinium

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Secondary Information

Definition

Gadolinium is a chemical element with the symbol Gd and atomic number 64. It is a silvery-white, soft, ductile, and magnetic metal. Gadolinium is the sixth element in the lanthanide series, and it is the most abundant of the lanthanides.

Gadolinium is a rare-earth element, which means that it is relatively scarce in the Earth's crust. However, it is still relatively abundant compared to other rare-earth elements.

Gadolinium is a paramagnetic element, which means that it is weakly attracted to a magnetic field. However, it can be made ferromagnetic by doping it with other elements, such as cerium or terbium.

Gadolinium is a good neutron absorber, which means that it can absorb neutrons without being destroyed. This makes it useful for neutron shielding in nuclear reactors and other applications.

Gadolinium is also used as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. It helps to improve image quality by making the tissues in the body appear brighter.

Gadolinium is a relatively safe element, but it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. It can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

How can the word be used?

The MRI scan used gadolinium contrast dye.

gadolinium

Different forms of the word

Noun: gadolinium, gadoliniums.

Adjective: gadolinium.

Etymology

The word "gadolinium" is named after Johan Gadolin, a Finnish chemist who discovered it in 1789. The name "gadolinium" comes from the Latinized form of Gadolin's surname, Gadolin.

Question

How is gadolinium used?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question: Explain how the properties of gadolinium make it useful in MRI scans.

Answer:

Gadolinium is a rare-earth metal that has a high magnetic susceptibility. This means that it is easily magnetised, which allows it to be used as a contrast agent in MRI scans. When gadolinium is injected into the bloodstream, it accumulates in tissues that are rich in water, such as tumours. This makes the tumours appear brighter on MRI scans, which can help doctors to diagnose and treat cancer.

Here is a more detailed explanation of how gadolinium is used in MRI scans:

  • Magnetic susceptibility: Gadolinium has a high magnetic susceptibility, which means that it is easily magnetised. This is because the unpaired electrons in the gadolinium atom are easily aligned with a magnetic field.
  • Contrast agent: A contrast agent is a substance that is injected into the bloodstream and accumulates in tissues that are rich in water. This makes the tissues appear brighter on MRI scans. Gadolinium is a good contrast agent because it is easily magnetised and it accumulates in tissues that are rich in water.
  • Tumours: Tumours are masses of tissue that grow abnormally. They are often rich in water, which is why gadolinium accumulates in them. This makes tumours appear brighter on MRI scans, which can help doctors to diagnose and treat cancer.

Gadolinium is a safe and effective contrast agent for MRI scans. However, there have been some rare cases of gadolinium toxicity, which can cause kidney damage. This is why gadolinium is only used when it is absolutely necessary.