Zinc-54 undergoes rare 2 proton decay

In summary, the new zinc isotope, zinc-54, undergoes the rare process of two-proton decay. This new isotope could shed light on what how protons stay together in the atomic nucleus. However, the process is relatively straightforward and the production yield is low.
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From the Alchemist Newsletter (Chemweb.com)

An international team of researchers has produced a new isotope of zinc, zinc-54, which they say undergoes the rare process of two-proton decay. The research carried out by Bertram Blank of the CENBG laboratory in France and colleagues could shed light on what how protons stay together in the atomic nucleus. Carrying out nuclear physics experiments with this new isotope is relatively straightforward but don't expect to see it bottled for off-the-shelf chemistry. The manufacturing process is very low yield with only one in 10 to the 17 collisions between nickel-58 atoms and a nickel target yielding the novel zinc-54 species.

more at New isotope doubles
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Just to be clear, the protons themselves aren't decaying, rather the zinc is emitting two protons at once, rather than the usual alpha, beta or gamma decay modes.
 
  • #3
I am a bit unclear about the information provided at the PhysicsWeb link -- they seem to imply that "double proton emission" is only known for Fe-45 and now Zn-54.

However, the following link from Jefferson Lab: http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/iso001.html clearly shows the experimentally documented "double proton emission" for Be-6, Si-23, S-27, Ca-35, Fe-45, Zn-54, Ge-58, and Ge-59. So this phenomenon is not as rare as presented. Also, the Jefferson Lab site lists "double neutron emmision" for He-10, B-15, B-17, C-22, K-53, Ru-100.

Together, these data seem to imply that there exists within some isotopes a [PP] or [NN] halo type nucleon cluster with realistic 6-quark quasi-bound structure (uud)+(uud) and (ddu)+(ddu) ? I find it highly unlikely that two "free" protons or neutrons just happen to be emitted at the exact same time in all of these "double emission" events--but perhaps I am incorrect and someone can help me understand the required physics to allow this to happen.
 

Related to Zinc-54 undergoes rare 2 proton decay

1. What is Zinc-54 and why is it important?

Zinc-54 is a chemical element with the atomic number 54 and the symbol Zn. It is a silvery-white metal that is commonly used in various industries, including construction, transportation, and electronics. It is important because it is an essential element for human health and plays a crucial role in many biological processes.

2. What is "2 proton decay" and how does it occur in Zinc-54?

Proton decay is a rare nuclear process in which a proton within an atomic nucleus is transformed into other subatomic particles. In the case of Zinc-54, it can undergo rare 2 proton decay, which means two protons within the nucleus simultaneously decay into other particles, resulting in a change in the atomic number and the creation of a different element.

3. Why is it significant that Zinc-54 can undergo rare 2 proton decay?

This is significant because it is a highly unusual process that is not commonly observed in other elements. It provides scientists with valuable insights into the fundamental properties of atomic nuclei and can help us better understand the structure and behavior of matter at the subatomic level.

4. What are the potential implications of Zinc-54's rare 2 proton decay?

Zinc-54's rare 2 proton decay could have implications in the field of nuclear physics and may lead to advancements in our understanding of nuclear reactions and the creation of new elements. It could also have practical applications in fields such as energy production and medical imaging.

5. How is the rare 2 proton decay of Zinc-54 studied and observed?

Scientists use advanced experimental techniques, such as particle accelerators, to study and observe the rare 2 proton decay of Zinc-54. By bombarding the element with high-energy particles, they can induce this decay process and analyze the resulting particles to gather data and insights.

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