Nickel58
Nickel-58 is a stable isotope of nickel. It is the most abundant isotope of nickel, making up approximately 68.077% of the natural elemental abundance. Nickel-58 has 28 protons and 30 neutrons in its nucleus. It is a key component of the Earth's crust and mantle. Nickel-58 plays a role in various scientific and industrial applications. For instance, it is a target material in nuclear research and can be used in the production of other isotopes. Its stability means it does not undergo radioactive decay, making it suitable for applications where long-term integrity is required. The abundance of nickel-58 contributes to the overall properties of nickel metal, which is known for its corrosion resistance and use in alloys such as stainless steel. The study of nickel isotopes, including nickel-58, is important for understanding nucleosynthesis and the formation of elements in stars.