Mean X-section Calculations

The % column is the percentage of the isotope in the natural element.

Each entry in the isotope column provides a link to the source of the information in the % and x-section columns.

N.B. Calculating weighted means to a few significant figures like this is straightforward when the individual values are very similar, as in these cases. More sophisticated methods are needed if they’re widely scattered.

Isotope % Barns Weighted Mean
204Pb 1.4 5.34 5.35
206Pb 24.1 5.35
207Pb 22.1 5.35
208Pb 52.4 5.36
9Be 100 1.49 1.49
6Li 7.5 1.43 1.47
7Li 92.5 1.47
54Fe 5.85 2.50 2.57
56Fe 91.75 2.57
57Fe 2.12 2.61
58Fe 0.28 2.66