Aluminum 26 is a radioactive isotope of aluminum that has a half-life of 717,000 years. It is commonly used in nuclear physics research and as a tracer in geological and environmental studies. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of aluminum 26, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Aluminum 26 is a radioactive isotope of aluminum with the atomic number 13 and the symbol Al-26. It has 13 protons and 13 electrons, but its neutron number varies, with the most common isotope having 13 neutrons. Aluminum 26 is produced in supernovae explosions and is found in cosmic rays, meteorites, and the Earth’s crust.
Origin
Aluminum 26 is formed through the nuclear fusion of lighter elements in the core of massive stars. When these stars explode as supernovae, they release the aluminum 26 into space, where it is incorporated into new stars and planets. The presence of aluminum 26 in meteorites and the Earth’s crust is evidence of its cosmic origin.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, aluminum 26 is defined as “a radioactive isotope of aluminum that has a half-life of 717,000 years and is used especially in dating geological and archaeological specimens.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines aluminum 26 as “a radioactive isotope of aluminum with a half-life of 717,000 years, used as a tracer in environmental and geological studies.”
Associations
Aluminum 26 is commonly used in nuclear physics research, as it can be used to study the structure and properties of atomic nuclei. It is also used as a tracer in geological and environmental studies, as it can be used to determine the age of rocks and sedimentary deposits.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of aluminum 26 include Al-26, radioactive aluminum, and aluminum-26.
Antonyms
As aluminum 26 is a specific isotope of aluminum, there are no antonyms.
The same root words
As aluminum 26 is a specific isotope of aluminum, it shares the same root word as other isotopes of aluminum, such as aluminum 27 and aluminum 28.
Example Sentences
- Scientists used aluminum 26 to date the age of a meteorite that landed on Earth.
- The presence of aluminum 26 in sedimentary deposits helped geologists determine the age of the rock layers.
- Nuclear physicists used aluminum 26 to study the properties of atomic nuclei.
- The half-life of aluminum 26 is 717,000 years, which makes it useful for dating geological and archaeological specimens.