Zn66

Zn66, or zinc-66, is a stable isotope of the element zinc (atomic number 30). It has 30 protons and 36 neutrons, giving a mass number of 66. Zn-66 is one of the naturally occurring zinc isotopes and contributes to the overall isotopic composition of zinc in nature and in zinc-containing materials. In natural zinc, Zn-66 accounts for roughly 28 percent of atoms, making it a significant component of the metal’s isotopic mix.

Being stable, Zn-66 does not undergo radioactive decay under normal conditions. Its stability, together with its relatively high natural abundance, makes it useful in isotope ratio analyses. Researchers measure the abundances of Zn-66 and other zinc isotopes with mass spectrometry to study geochemical and environmental processes, trace metal sources, and biological fractionation in organisms. Such studies can help elucidate zinc cycling, mineral weathering, and nutrient uptake pathways.

Zn-66 can be studied in its natural form within zinc samples, or enriched samples can be produced using isotope separation methods for specialized research requirements. Enriched Zn-66 is used when higher precision or tracer experiments are needed, but routine analyses often rely on the natural isotopic composition of zinc.

Overall, Zn-66 is a stable, moderately abundant zinc isotope that plays a role in scientific investigations of zinc behavior in natural and biological systems.