- #1
Sorthal
- 8
- 0
With all news of element 117 being a step closer to the Island of stab
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the concept of the "Island of Stability" in nuclear physics, particularly regarding superheavy elements like element 117 (tennessine). Participants explain that different colors in a stability chart represent varying levels of stability, with regions closer to the center being more stable. Theoretical predictions suggest that while element 117 is positioned within a stable region, the isotopes synthesized thus far have lifetimes measured in milliseconds, indicating that the anticipated stability has not been confirmed. References to external resources provide additional context on the challenges of synthesizing superheavy elements.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of nuclear physics concepts, particularly isotopes and stability.
- Familiarity with the periodic table, especially superheavy elements.
- Knowledge of isotope synthesis and its challenges in experimental physics.
- Basic comprehension of scientific research methodologies and theoretical predictions.
- Research the latest findings on the stability of superheavy elements, focusing on element 117.
- Explore the theoretical framework behind the Island of Stability and its implications for nuclear chemistry.
- Investigate the synthesis methods for superheavy elements and the associated experimental challenges.
- Review the historical context and retraction of claims regarding element 118 (ununoctium).
Researchers in nuclear physics, chemists studying superheavy elements, and students interested in advanced topics in isotopic stability and synthesis challenges.
- #2
Sorthal
- 8
- 0
How does this island work?
- #3
ChrisVer
Science Advisor
- 3,372
- 465
what's the meaning of the question?
By different colors you denote different stabilities...
So you see regions closer to a line are more stable than the ones around them, and that stability falls as you go from the inside to the outside...
So illustratively (I liked this one) you get something like an island (deeper in the land you are more stable, and as you move outside you "drop" closer to the sea/depths)
By different colors you denote different stabilities...
So you see regions closer to a line are more stable than the ones around them, and that stability falls as you go from the inside to the outside...
So illustratively (I liked this one) you get something like an island (deeper in the land you are more stable, and as you move outside you "drop" closer to the sea/depths)
- #4
klasse35
- 6
- 0
Sorthal,
thankyou for sharing this illustrative chart.
that's a very nice graph of the upper end of the table of Elements and Isotopes.
I suppose, there is also somewhere the lower end to be found ?
As Nr. 117 is already more or less in the middle of that little island of semistables,
there are obviously more buns in the avon ?
thankyou for sharing this illustrative chart.
that's a very nice graph of the upper end of the table of Elements and Isotopes.
I suppose, there is also somewhere the lower end to be found ?
As Nr. 117 is already more or less in the middle of that little island of semistables,
there are obviously more buns in the avon ?
- #5
mfb
Mentor
- 37,404
- 14,238
A large part of this graph is purely theoretical, as the isotopes have not been synthesized yet.
While the proton number might be right for the island, it is unclear if there are enough neutrons to reach it. The produced isotopes have lifetimes of milliseconds - well in agreement with the isotopes of lighter elements nearby, so no sign of an island has been found yet.
Wikipedia article with more details.
While the proton number might be right for the island, it is unclear if there are enough neutrons to reach it. The produced isotopes have lifetimes of milliseconds - well in agreement with the isotopes of lighter elements nearby, so no sign of an island has been found yet.
Wikipedia article with more details.
- #6
Astronuc
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
2025 Award
- 22,507
- 7,438
The superheavy elements do not appear to be as stable as hoped.
http://www.ornl.gov/ornl/news/features/2014/new-sighting-of-superheavy-element-117
http://www.ornl.gov/science-discovery/nuclear-science/research-areas/isotopes/super-heavy-element-discovery
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/superheavy-element-117-island-of-stability/
There are claims for Element 118 (ununoctium, Uuo):
http://www.webelements.com/ununoctium/
The yield is so small, the it is virtually impossible at this point to verify the existence of 118. An announcement during 1999 of 118 was later retracted.
http://enews.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/118-retraction.html
http://www.ornl.gov/ornl/news/features/2014/new-sighting-of-superheavy-element-117
http://www.ornl.gov/science-discovery/nuclear-science/research-areas/isotopes/super-heavy-element-discovery
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/superheavy-element-117-island-of-stability/
There are claims for Element 118 (ununoctium, Uuo):
http://www.webelements.com/ununoctium/
The yield is so small, the it is virtually impossible at this point to verify the existence of 118. An announcement during 1999 of 118 was later retracted.
http://enews.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/118-retraction.html
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- #7
klasse35
- 6
- 0
Thanks I’ll look it up n return later.