| General | |
|---|---|
| Symbol | 55Fe |
| Names | iron-55, 55Fe, Fe-55 |
| Protons (Z) | 26 |
| Neutrons (N) | 29 |
| Nuclide data | |
| Half-life (t1/2) | 2.737 years |
| Decay products | 55Mn |
| Decay modes | |
| Decay mode | Decay energy (MeV) |
| Electron capture | 0.00519 |
| 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.