Naturally Occurring Elements: the latest version

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the definition and characteristics of naturally occurring elements, specifically those with isotopes found on Earth. It establishes that elements with atomic numbers ranging from 1 to 92 are considered naturally occurring, with exceptions like Technetium (atomic number 43) and Promethium (atomic number 61), which are rare but exist due to decay processes. The conversation highlights the complexity of defining "naturally occurring" in the context of supernovae and neutron star collisions, emphasizing that many elements may exist but remain undiscovered. The participants agree that a universally accepted definition is lacking, complicating the classification of elements as naturally occurring.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of isotopes and their stability
  • Familiarity with atomic structure and periodic table elements
  • Knowledge of nuclear processes, including supernovae and neutron star collisions
  • Basic grasp of radioactive decay and half-lives
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the isotopes of Technetium and Promethium and their natural occurrences
  • Study the processes of nucleosynthesis in supernovae and neutron star mergers
  • Explore the implications of half-life on the classification of elements as naturally occurring
  • Investigate the latest discoveries in elemental science and their definitions
USEFUL FOR

Scientists, chemists, and educators interested in the classification of elements, particularly in the fields of nuclear chemistry and astrophysics, will benefit from this discussion.

  • #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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