Cu
Copper
Z = 29 · Transition Metal · 63.5 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Used in electrical components and some heat exchangers. Thermal absorption (σ_a = 3.8 b) is moderate. Copper content in RPV steel is controlled because it promotes radiation embrittlement through copper-rich precipitate formation under neutron irradiation.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 29
- Standard atomic mass
- 63.5 u
- Category
- Transition Metal
Isotopes & cross-section data
View in ALLEN →| Isotope | Mass (A) | Half-life | ZAID | Libraries | σ(E) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cu-63 | 63 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | View → | |
| Cu-65 | 65 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | View → |