The decay of 31 sec98Zr, 2.9 sec98Nb and 51 min98Nb

TheΒ- andγ-radiations of⁹⁸Zr and^{98m, g} Nb have been investigated employing scintillation and semiconductor spectrometers and coincidence techniques. Sources of⁹⁸Nb were produced by the⁹⁸Mo(n, p)⁹⁸Nb reaction, sources of⁹⁸Zr by fission of²³⁵U with thermal neutrons applying chemical separations. For⁹⁸Zr, a half-life of 30.7±0.4 sec and aQ _β-value of 2.3±0.2 MeV were obtained, for the⁹⁸Nb isomers, half-lives of 2.86±0.06 sec and 51.3±0.4 min, andQ _β-values of 4.8±0.2 MeV and 4.5±0.2 MeV, respectively. Noγ-rays were observed in the decay of⁹⁸Zr. The decay of 2.9 sec⁹⁸Nb was found to involve 11γ-ray transitions. In the decay of 51 min⁹⁸Nb, 54γ-transitions were detected. Spin and parity of 1⁺ and 4^? were deduced for the isomeric states of⁹⁸Nb.