Mo
Molybdenum
Z = 42 · Transition Metal · 96.0 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Source of Mo-99 (t₁/₂ = 66 h), the parent of Tc-99m used in ~80% of nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures — a critical medical isotope. Molybdenum alloys (TZM) are used in high-temperature reactor components. Thermal absorption (σ_a = 2.5 b) is moderate. Significant fission product in the mass ~95-100 range.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 42
- Standard atomic mass
- 96.0 u
- Category
- Transition Metal
Isotopes & cross-section data
| Isotope | Mass (A) | Half-life | ZAID | Libraries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mo-92 | 92 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Mo-94 | 94 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Mo-95 | 95 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Mo-96 | 96 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Mo-97 | 97 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Mo-98 | 98 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Mo-99 | 99 | 65.94 h | .80c.71c | |
| Mo-100 | 100 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c |