Eu
Europium
Z = 63 · Lanthanide · 152.0 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Strong neutron absorber (σ_a ≈ 4,530 b for natural Eu). Eu₂O₃ is used as a burnable absorber and in some control rod designs. Eu-151 captures to Eu-152 (t₁/₂ = 13.5 y), which is a significant long-lived activation product in reactor decommissioning waste.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 63
- Standard atomic mass
- 152.0 u
- Category
- Lanthanide
Isotopes & cross-section data
| Isotope | Mass (A) | Half-life | ZAID | Libraries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eu-151 | 151 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Eu-153 | 153 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c |