Naturally Occurring Elements: the latest version

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition and understanding of naturally occurring elements, particularly in the context of isotopes and their presence on Earth. Participants explore the criteria that determine whether an element is considered naturally occurring, referencing various processes such as supernovae and radioactive decay.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants define a naturally occurring element as one that has at least one isotope found in nature, while others emphasize the need for a clear distinction between "found in nature" and "exists in nature".
  • Technetium and Promethium are discussed as examples of elements that are considered naturally occurring despite their radioactive isotopes and relatively short half-lives.
  • There is a suggestion that the definition of "naturally occurring" may vary, with some arguing it should include elements produced in supernovae, regardless of their current observability.
  • One participant proposes that an element should be considered naturally occurring if it has been created through natural nucleosynthesis processes, excluding those produced in nuclear reactors.
  • Discussions include the implications of half-lives on the classification of elements, with some arguing that elements with very short half-lives may not qualify as naturally occurring.
  • There is a mention of the potential for undiscovered elements produced in extreme cosmic events, raising questions about how to classify them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition of naturally occurring elements. Multiple competing views remain regarding the criteria for classification, and the discussion reflects significant uncertainty about the implications of isotopes and their origins.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the limitations of definitions and the dependence on specific criteria for what constitutes "naturally occurring". The discussion highlights the complexity of the topic, particularly regarding the role of human intervention in the classification of elements.

  • #31
pinball1970 said:
Vanadium 50 unstable? It's possible
Yes, I've already included in the post #20
 
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  • #32
A M said:
Yes, I've already included in the post #20
Apologies and noted.
 
  • #33
PeterDonis said:
Also, most of the naturally occurring deuterium and lithium in the universe
According to what phyzguy said, there is no universally agreed-upon definition of what constitutes "naturally occurring". So why is it still being used?
 
  • #34
A M said:
According to what phyzguy said, there is no universally agreed-upon definition of what constitutes "naturally occurring". So why is it still being used?

By "naturally occurring" in that particular post, I just meant "not made by humans in a reactor or other high-energy experiment".

Yes, there is no universally agreed upon single definition, but it's usually not difficult to figure out what is meant by the term given the context.
 
  • #35
PeterDonis said:
Yes, there is no universally agreed upon single definition
So how many known elements are "naturally occurring"? All of them?
 
  • #36
A M said:
So how many known elements are "naturally occurring"? All of them?

This has already been discussed ad nauseam in the thread. I don't see the point of rehashing it.
 
  • #37
The OP question has been sufficiently discussed. Thread closed.
 

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