Cerium144

Cerium-144 is a radioactive isotope of the element cerium, with 58 protons and a mass number of 144. It is produced mainly as a fission fragment in nuclear reactors and can be found in spent nuclear fuel and other high-level radioactive waste. It does not occur naturally in meaningful quantities.

Nuclear properties: Cerium-144 decays by beta-minus emission to praseodymium-144 (Pr-144). Its half-life is about 284.9 days. The decay product, Pr-144, has a much shorter half-life of roughly 17.3 minutes and subsequently decays by beta-minus emission to neodymium-144 (Nd-144), which is stable. Therefore, the Ce-144 decay chain ultimately ends in a stable nucleus. The decays produce beta radiation and gamma rays, enabling detection by common radiation instruments.

Occurrence and significance: As a fission product, Ce-144 contributes to the radiological profile and decay heat of spent nuclear fuel. Its relatively long half-life means it remains a factor in radiation fields and shielding considerations for months to years after fuel discharge.

Applications and safety: Because of its radiological properties, Ce-144 is handled under strict regulatory controls. It is primarily relevant in the study of fission-product inventories, radiochemistry, and radiation-detector calibration and dosimetry contexts. Shielding, monitoring, and proper containment are important when working with materials containing this isotope.