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
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“The advice of their elders to young men is very apt to be as unreal as a list of the hundred best books.”
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