Palladium has 60 neutrons in its most common isotope.
Palladium is a transition metal with atomic number 46, meaning it has 46 protons. The most abundant isotope, palladium-106, contains 60 neutrons. This gives the element a total atomic mass of approximately 106 atomic mass units.
Isotopes of Palladium
- Pd-102: 56 neutrons
- Pd-104: 58 neutrons
- Pd-105: 59 neutrons
- Pd-106: 60 neutrons (most common)
- Pd-108: 62 neutrons
- Pd-110: 64 neutrons
Palladium Neutron Comparison
| Isotope | Protons | Neutrons | Natural Abundance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pd-102 | 46 | 56 | 1.02% |
| Pd-104 | 46 | 58 | 11.14% |
| Pd-106 | 46 | 60 | 27.33% |
Properties Related to Neutron Count
The number of neutrons affects palladium's nuclear stability and radioactive properties. Isotopes with fewer neutrons tend to be less stable, while those with more neutrons may exhibit different decay patterns. The 60-neutron configuration provides optimal stability for the most common palladium isotope.