Iron-55

Iron-55, 55Fe
General
Symbol55Fe
Namesiron-55, 55Fe, Fe-55
Protons (Z)26
Neutrons (N)29
Nuclide data
Half-life (t1/2)2.737 years
Decay products55Mn
Decay modes
Decay modeDecay energy (MeV)
Electron capture0.00519
Isotopes of iron
Complete table of nuclides

Iron-55 (55Fe) is a radioactive isotope of iron with a nucleus containing 26 protons and 29 neutrons. It decays by electron capture to manganese-55 and this process has a half-life of 2.737 years. The emitted X-rays can be used as an X-ray source for various scientific analysis methods, such as X-ray diffraction. Iron-55 is also a source for Auger electrons, which are produced during the decay.