Neodymium143

Neodymium-143 is a stable isotope of the element neodymium. Its nucleus consists of 60 protons and 83 neutrons. Neodymium-143 is the most abundant isotope of neodymium, making up approximately 57.0% of the naturally occurring element's mass. This isotope is not radioactive and does not undergo decay.

The stability of neodymium-143 is a key factor in its occurrence. While other isotopes of neodymium are radioactive, neodymium-143 is the end product of several decay chains, meaning it has reached a state of lowest energy and will not transform into another nucleus. This stability is determined by the specific balance of protons and neutrons within its nucleus, which results in a strong nuclear force holding it together.

Neodymium-143 plays a role in geological dating techniques, particularly in conjunction with samarium-149. Samarium-149 is a stable isotope that decays into neodymium-149, which in turn decays into neodymium-143. By measuring the ratio of neodymium-143 to samarium-149 in rock samples, scientists can estimate the age of the rocks. This method is known as the samarium-neodymium dating system and is used to determine the ages of meteorites and Earth rocks, providing insights into the history of the solar system and our planet.