68Zn

68Zn is a stable isotope of the element zinc with mass number 68. It has 30 protons and 38 neutrons, making it an even-even nucleus with a ground-state spin and parity of 0+. As a stable nuclide, 68Zn does not undergo radioactive decay.

Natural zinc consists of several stable isotopes, including 68Zn, which accounts for roughly 18–19% of zinc atoms in nature. Its isotopic mass is about 67.93 atomic mass units. Because of its stability, 68Zn is not associated with radioactivity and is used in various analytical contexts without concerns about decay.

Applications of 68Zn primarily lie in isotope ratio analysis. It is used as part of zinc isotopic studies to investigate biological, geological, and environmental processes, as well as to trace material flows in metallurgical research. Measurements are typically performed by mass spectrometry methods such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). In research and industry, 68Zn can be enriched from natural zinc to improve measurement precision or to serve as a tracer in specific experiments.

In summary, 68Zn is one of the stable zinc isotopes with a substantial natural abundance and serves as a valuable tool in isotopic analyses across disciplines. See also: isotopes of zinc; natural zinc; isotope ratio analysis.