Density and deuterium lifetime

In summary, the lifetime of a deuteron in the ground state of an HD molecule has been calculated to be approximately 10^47 years. However, at zero pressure and temperature, this lifetime may be slightly shorter due to the solid state of hydrogen. Radioactive decays, such as spontaneous fission and alpha activity, become relevant and measurable at around 10^20 years. For comparison, the lifetime of protium in red dwarfs is around 10^13 years. The density and pressure of hydrogen at zero temperature, where the deuteron lifetime is 10^20 years, is unclear as the mechanism of decay, tunnelling of the proton into deuteron, is not fully understood. This estimate comes from a letter to
  • #1
snorkack
2,190
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The lifetime of a deuteron in the ground state of HD molecule has been calculated as 10^47 years.

Obviously, at zero pressure and temperature it is slightly shorter, because hydrogen is solid at these conditions - but not much shorter, because in solid hydrogen at zero pressure the other neighbours are much further than the moleculemate.

Radioactive decays start to become relevant and measurable from the lifetime of 10^20 years - spontaneous fission, double beta, alpha activity like Bi-209 are in that range.

For comparison, protium lifetime in red dwarfs is around 10^13 years.

What is the density and pressure of hydrogen, at zero temperature, where deuteron lifetime is 10^20 years?
 
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  • #2
I'm missing the point of the question. Where does the estimate of deuterium lifetime come from and what is the mechanism of the decay?
 
  • #3
phyzguy said:
I'm missing the point of the question. Where does the estimate of deuterium lifetime come from and what is the mechanism of the decay?

The mechanism is tunnelling of the proton into deuteron.

Numeric estimate for lifetime comes from a letter to Nature, vol 339, 29th June 1989, pages 690-691, Koonin&Nauenberg.
 

1. What is density and how is it measured?

Density is a measure of how much mass is contained within a specific volume. It is typically measured in units of grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm^3). Density can be calculated by dividing the mass of an object by its volume. This can be done using various tools such as a balance or measuring cup.

2. How does density relate to deuterium lifetime?

Density and deuterium lifetime are related because deuterium is a type of hydrogen isotope that has a higher density than regular hydrogen. Deuterium lifetime refers to the amount of time it takes for half of the deuterium in a sample to decay into other elements. The higher the density of deuterium, the longer its lifetime will be.

3. What is the significance of deuterium lifetime in scientific research?

Deuterium lifetime is significant in scientific research because it can provide valuable information about the age and composition of various substances. For example, by measuring the deuterium lifetime in ice cores, scientists can determine the climate conditions that existed thousands of years ago.

4. How is deuterium lifetime measured?

Deuterium lifetime is typically measured using a technique called mass spectrometry. This method involves ionizing the deuterium atoms in a sample and then measuring their mass-to-charge ratios. This information can then be used to calculate the deuterium lifetime.

5. What factors can affect the density and deuterium lifetime of a substance?

The density and deuterium lifetime of a substance can be affected by a variety of factors, including temperature, pressure, and the presence of other elements or molecules. Changes in these factors can alter the arrangement of molecules and affect the overall density and deuterium lifetime of a substance.

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