132Cs

132Cs is a radioactive isotope of cesium with mass number 132 and atomic number 55. It is not found naturally and is produced in human nuclear processes, most commonly as a fission product in reactors or during high-energy spallation of heavier elements.

In terms of nuclear properties, 132Cs has 77 neutrons and decays primarily by beta minus emission to 132Ba. Its half-life is on the order of several days, commonly cited around 6 to 7 days. Decay is accompanied by gamma radiation, which enables its detection and characterization using gamma spectroscopy.

Production and occurrence: as a fission fragment, 132Cs is generated in the fission of uranium-235 or plutonium-239, among other routes. It contributes to the radiological inventory of spent nuclear fuel and can appear in the environment following nuclear releases or accidents, though its short half-life means it is typically present for only a limited period relative to longer-lived cesium isotopes such as 137Cs.

Applications and handling: due to its relatively short half-life and gamma emissions, 132Cs is of interest primarily for nuclear data measurement, reactor physics calculations, and calibration in radiation detectors. It is not used clinically or widely in industry. Handling and storage require appropriate radiological controls and shielding to minimize exposure from beta and gamma radiation.

See also: Cesium, Radioisotopes of cesium, Nuclear fission products.