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nuby
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What is the maximum atomic weight of a single atom (in theory)? Could there be an element with an atomic number greater than 150, somewhere in the universe? How is it possible?
If you exclude the concept of neutron stars as "giant nuclei", there is a theoretical limit on the mass of an atom, but it is comparatively little known.nuby said:So if the conditions are right then could you say there is no limit on the mass/size of an atom?
Narrow positron peaks are observed in five supercritical collision systems with combined nuclear charge 180<~Zu<~188. The peaks do not originate from nuclear internal pair conversion and their production appears to occur in a narrow projectile-energy interval near the Coulomb barrier. The line shapes are consistent with emission by a source moving with the c.m. velocity. Particularly notable is an apparent independence of the peak energies on Zu. These observations are discussed in the context of the spontaneous decay of the QED vacuum and other new potential sources of line positron spectra.
:uhh: why ?nuby said:Good information, Thanks. I was also under the impression that the maximum mass number of protons in an atom could be obtained by (2pi/c^3)/proton_mass No?
Can you explain that concept ? I'm not sure what you are talking about.nuby said:the smallest possible 'orbital' radius of hydrogen
nuby said:What about ratios?
The maximum possible atomic weight for an element is currently believed to be around 173, based on calculations using the known properties of atoms and the laws of physics. However, this number is not set in stone and could potentially be surpassed in the future with further advancements in science and technology.
Scientists use a combination of experimental data and theoretical calculations to determine the maximum atomic weight for an element. This involves studying the properties and behavior of atoms, as well as using mathematical models to predict how atoms would behave under extreme conditions.
Currently, the heaviest known element is oganesson, with an atomic weight of 294. This is still significantly lower than the theoretical maximum of 173, but there are other elements that are relatively close, such as uranium with an atomic weight of 238.
If an element with an atomic weight higher than 173 was discovered, it would fundamentally change our understanding of the laws of physics and the behavior of atoms. It could potentially open up new possibilities for materials and technologies, and would require a re-evaluation of the periodic table and our current understanding of the elements.
Currently, the maximum atomic weight of an element is believed to be around 173, but there is no definitive limit. As our understanding of the laws of physics continues to evolve, it is possible that we may discover ways to create or identify elements with even higher atomic weights in the future.