rhenium-187 fully ionized half-life 32.9 years

Removing an atom's electrons can make it decay far faster

32.9 years

Rhenium-187 normally has a half-life of 41.6 billion years. Remove all of its electrons, however, and its half-life falls to just 32.9 years. The change happens because the electron released during decay can then enter an empty inner part of the atom.

Germany reunited without creating a new state

In 1990, East Germany’s five re-created states joined the existing Federal Republic, the state that had been West Germany. That same state continued with its political culture, Western alignment, and international memberships.

Rome raised taxes after losing African revenue

When Vandals captured Carthage, the Western Roman Empire lost African tax income equal to the cost of nearly 40,000 foot soldiers or more than 20,000 horsemen. The regime raised taxes even though peasants could pay no more, while protecting displaced landowners and letting wealthy people avoid taxes.

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rhenium-187 fully ionized half-life 32.9 years

Removing an atom's electrons can make it decay far faster

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