= Nickel-56 decay chain
{title2=$^{56}\mathrm{Ni}\longrightarrow{}^{56}\mathrm{Co}\longrightarrow{}^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$}
The radioactive chain converts nickel-56 through cobalt-56 into iron-56, releasing energy that can power supernova light curves. <Electron capture> and, where allowed, <beta-plus decay> convert protons into neutrons; gamma rays and charged decay products deposit some of the released energy. Ionization and escape of decay radiation affect the observed heating.
Back to article page
