Cerium142

Cerium-142 (142Ce) is a radioactive isotope of cerium, a rare earth metal with the atomic number 58. It is produced through the decay of praseodymium-142 (142Pr) and has a half-life of approximately 5.46 days. Cerium-142 decays via beta minus (β-) emission to praseodymium-142, completing its decay chain.

Cerium-142 is not found naturally on Earth, as it is a product of the decay of praseodymium-142, which itself is a daughter product of neodymium-142. The isotope is primarily of interest in nuclear physics and astrophysics. In nuclear physics, it is used in studies of nuclear reactions and decay processes. In astrophysics, cerium-142 is a key isotope in the study of stellar nucleosynthesis and the s-process, which is responsible for the production of about half of the atomic nuclei heavier than iron.

The isotope has also been studied in the context of nuclear waste management, as it can be a byproduct of nuclear fission reactions. Understanding the behavior and properties of cerium-142 is crucial for developing effective strategies for the safe disposal and management of nuclear waste.

In summary, cerium-142 is a short-lived radioactive isotope of cerium with a half-life of approximately 5.46 days. It is primarily of interest in nuclear physics, astrophysics, and nuclear waste management. Its decay via beta minus emission to praseodymium-142 completes its decay chain.