Cr
Chromium
Z = 24 · Transition Metal · 52.0 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Major component of stainless steels and nickel-based alloys used throughout reactor systems. Thermal absorption (σ_a = 3.1 b) contributes to parasitic capture in structural materials. Cr-51 is produced by activation and is used as a radiotracer. Hexavalent chromium in coolant is a corrosion product concern.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 24
- Standard atomic mass
- 52.0 u
- Category
- Transition Metal
Isotopes & cross-section data
| Isotope | Mass (A) | Half-life | ZAID | Libraries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cr-50 | 50 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Cr-52 | 52 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Cr-53 | 53 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Cr-54 | 54 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c |