196Hg

196Hg is a stable isotope of the element mercury (Hg). It has a mass number of 196 and an atomic number of 80, corresponding to 116 neutrons. As an even-even nucleus, the ground-state spin of 196Hg is 0+, making it part of the set of stable mercury isotopes.

Nuclear properties of 196Hg include its stability and zero radioactive decay, which means it does not have a half-life to report. It is the lightest stable isotope of mercury, and it forms part of the natural isotopic composition of mercury alongside 198Hg, 199Hg, 200Hg, 201Hg, 202Hg, and 204Hg.

In natural mercury, 196Hg occurs at a relatively low abundance, contributing about 0.15% of the total mercury. The seven stable mercury isotopes collectively account for natural mercury, and 196Hg is the least abundant among them. Its neutron number is 116, and its nuclear properties reflect typical characteristics of stable, even-even nuclei.

Applications and significance: Isotopic ratios including 196Hg are used in geochemistry and environmental science to study sources, processes, and transport of mercury in natural systems. Mercury isotope analysis can aid in tracing pollution sources and understanding biogeochemical cycles, although 196Hg itself is primarily of interest as part of the broader set of stable mercury isotopes rather than for a dedicated laboratory role.

See also: Mercury isotopes.