The Quest for New Elements: Exploring the Island of Stability

🔬The periodic table seems complete, but gaps do exist for yet-to-be-discovered elements.

⚛️Elements are defined by the number of protons, but stability depends on the balance between protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

🌌Artificial elements have been created to fill gaps in the periodic table and extend it beyond 118 elements.

📊Computer simulations have revealed the possibility of an island of stability with longer- lived, stable-ish elements.

🌟New elements can have significant applications in medicine, technology, and energy production.

Are there gaps in the periodic table for new elements?

—Yes, there are gaps in the periodic table that suggest the existence of yet-to-be-discovered elements.

What determines the stability of an element?

—The stability of an element depends on the balance between protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

How have scientists filled the gaps in the periodic table?

—Scientists have created artificial elements through nuclear reactions and particle accelerators.

Is there a possibility of discovering more stable elements?

—Yes, computer simulations suggest the existence of an island of stability with longer-lived, stable-ish elements.

What practical applications can new elements have?

—New elements can have applications in medicine, technology, and energy production.

00:00Introduction to the existence of fictional elements beyond the periodic table.

05:49Explanation of the balance between electromagnetic force and strong nuclear force in atomic nuclei.

12:33Story of the discovery of the first artificial element, Technetium.

18:41Discussion of the factors influencing nuclear stability and the existence of unstable isotopes.

12:59Exploration of the concept of an island of stability containing longer-lived, stable-ish elements.