Cobalt

Cobalt-60 is a radioactive isotope of cobalt commonly used in medicine and industry. It emits gamma rays, making it valuable for cancer treatment, specifically in radiation therapy to target and kill tumor cells. It's also used for sterilizing medical equipment and food, as the radiation can eliminate bacteria and pathogens. Cobalt-60 is produced in nuclear reactors and has a half-life of about 5.27 years, meaning it takes this time for half of it to decay into stable nickel-60, limiting its long-term storage challenges. Its ability to penetrate materials safely makes it an effective tool in various applications.