Double Beta Decay - List of Known Double-beta Decay Isotopes

List of Known Double-beta Decay Isotopes

There are 35 naturally occurring isotopes that are capable of undergoing double-beta decay. However, only twelve isotopes have been experimentally observed undergoing two-neutrino double-beta decay:

48Ca, 76Ge, 82Se,96Zr, 100Mo, 116Cd, 128Te, 130Te, 130Ba, 136Xe, 150Nd, and 238U.

Many isotopes are, in theory, capable both of double-beta decay and other decays. In most cases, the double-beta decay is so rare as to be nearly impossible to observe against the background of other radiation. However, the double-beta decay rate of 238U (also an alpha emitter) has been measured radiochemically; 238Pu is produced by this type of radioactivity. Two of the nuclides (48Ca and 96Zr) from the list above can decay also via single beta decay but this decay is extremely suppressed and has never been observed.

Read more about this topic:  Double Beta Decay

Famous quotes containing the words list of, list and/or decay:

    Do your children view themselves as successes or failures? Are they being encouraged to be inquisitive or passive? Are they afraid to challenge authority and to question assumptions? Do they feel comfortable adapting to change? Are they easily discouraged if they cannot arrive at a solution to a problem? The answers to those questions will give you a better appraisal of their education than any list of courses, grades, or test scores.
    Lawrence Kutner (20th century)

    We saw the machinery where murderers are now executed. Seven have been executed. The plan is better than the old one. It is quietly done. Only a few, at the most about thirty or forty, can witness [an execution]. It excites nobody outside of the list permitted to attend. I think the time for capital punishment has passed. I would abolish it. But while it lasts this is the best mode.
    Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)

    One of the most striking signs of the decay of art is the intermixing of different genres.
    Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749–1832)