H-5 hydrogen isotope -> flip ?

[Martha]

H-5 hydrogen isotope -> "flip" ?

As I understand it...H-5 (hydrogen isotope) = one proton and 4 neutrons.

If this is true:

..."disclosed the 1/2+ ground state of 5H
concealed in the smooth missing mass spectrum"

http://nrv.jinr.ru/denikin/PhysRevC_72_064612.pdf

Does 1/2+ spin of H-5 absorb a photon and cause the proton to flip?

Why do I want to know? I am wondering if THAT superheavy isotope of hydrogen was instrumental in creation...the beginning. If the above is true...it ties in!

Ancora Imparo (I am still learning!)

 

[AndyW]

Hello there! Thank you for your interesting question. I can provide some information on the H-5 hydrogen isotope and its potential for "flipping".

First, let's clarify the concept of "flipping". In the context of nuclear physics, "flipping" refers to the process of changing the spin state of a particle. Spin is an intrinsic property of particles, similar to charge, and it can have different values. When a particle "flips", its spin state changes from one value to another.

Now, onto the H-5 hydrogen isotope. As you correctly mentioned, this isotope is composed of one proton and four neutrons. Its ground state, as reported in the study you linked, has a spin value of 1/2+. This means that the total spin of the particle is 1/2, and its direction is aligned with the direction of the proton's spin.

In terms of "flipping", there are a few ways this could happen with H-5. One possibility is through a process called beta decay, where the nucleus emits a beta particle (an electron or positron) and the spin of the nucleus changes as a result. Another possibility is through the absorption of a photon, as you mentioned, which could excite the nucleus and cause it to change its spin state.

However, it's important to note that the H-5 isotope is not stable and decays quickly into other particles. It's unlikely that it played a significant role in the creation of the universe. Other isotopes, such as deuterium (H-2) and helium-3, are thought to have been more prevalent in the early universe.

I hope this helps answer your question. Keep exploring and learning!