cerium140

Cerium-140 is a stable isotope of the element cerium. Cerium is a chemical element with the symbol Ce and atomic number 58. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the lanthanide series. Cerium-140 is the most abundant isotope of cerium, making up approximately 88.45% of the element's natural occurrence. Its nucleus consists of 58 protons and 82 neutrons, giving it a total mass number of 140. As a stable isotope, cerium-140 does not undergo radioactive decay and therefore does not emit ionizing radiation. This stability is a key characteristic that distinguishes it from other cerium isotopes, many of which are radioactive. Cerium-140 is found naturally in various mineral deposits alongside other cerium isotopes and rare earth elements. Its abundance means it is the primary form of cerium encountered in terrestrial environments. Due to its stability and prevalence, cerium-140 is a significant component in the study of cerium's chemical properties and its applications, which include its use in alloys, catalysts, and glass manufacturing. The absence of radioactivity makes it safe for use in a wide range of industrial and scientific contexts where radioactive isotopes would be unsuitable.