protactinium239
Protactinium-239 is an isotope of protactinium. It is a radioactive element with an atomic number of 91. Protactinium-239 has a half-life of approximately 22.6 minutes. It decays primarily through beta decay, transforming into uranium-239. This decay process releases energy in the form of beta particles and gamma rays. Protactinium-239 is not a naturally occurring isotope and is typically produced artificially through nuclear reactions. For instance, it can be formed by bombarding uranium-238 with neutrons. Due to its short half-life, protactinium-239 is not found in significant quantities in the environment and has limited practical applications. Its production and study are primarily of interest in nuclear physics research and for understanding decay chains of heavier elements. The radioactivity of protactinium-239 necessitates careful handling and containment when it is produced or studied in laboratory settings.