Nihonium - Periodic Table of Videos

TL;DR

Element 113, named Nihonium, was synthesized in Japan after 12 years of research. Its discovery provides valuable insights into the binding of protons and neutrons in heavy elements.

Transcript

Element 113 is the only one that I discussed with an ambassador. In fact it's the only one I discussed with two ambassadors because I've discussed it with both, the old and the new japanese ambassador to London. And the reason why I was discussing, is because element 113 is the first element to be definitely synthesized in Japan. And so it is a hug... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🔬 Element 113, named Nihonium, was synthesized in Japan after a lengthy and rigorous research process.
• ❣️ The synthesis of super heavy elements like Nihonium requires years of experimentation and verification due to the complexity involved.
• ❣️ The discovery of Nihonium provides valuable insights into the binding of protons and neutrons in heavy elements, challenging previous assumptions.
• 🖐️ International collaboration played a significant role in verifying and justifying the existence of Element 113.
• 👹 The name Nihonium was chosen for the element, representing a fusion of Japanese culture and scientific achievement.
• 🍉 Element 113 exhibits similarities to boron and thallium in terms of its chemistry.
• 💦 The properties of Nihonium can only be studied to a limited extent due to the challenges of working with single atoms.

Questions & Answers

Q: How long did it take to synthesize Element 113?

The synthesis of Element 113 took over 12 years, involving the fusion of billions of zinc atoms to produce just one atom of the element. The Japanese lab observed three atoms over a period of nine years.

Q: Why is the discovery of Element 113 significant?

The discovery of Element 113 provides valuable insights into the binding of protons and neutrons in heavy elements. It challenges previous assumptions about the stability of super-heavy elements and allows scientists to test their theories.

Q: What is unique about the name Nihonium?

Nihonium is the name chosen for Element 113, derived from the Japanese name for Japan, Nihon. It represents a collaborative effort between Japan, Germany, and Russia in the process of verifying and justifying its existence.

Q: What can be inferred about the properties of Nihonium?

Based on its position in the periodic table and similarities to boron and thallium, it is assumed that Nihonium may exhibit +1 ionic states and possess similar chemical properties. However, further research is needed to confirm this.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Element 113, Nihonium, was synthesized in Japan after a lengthy research process involving the fusion of bismuth and zinc atoms.

• The Japanese lab observed three atoms of element 113 over a period of nine years, highlighting the difficulty and complexity of synthesizing super heavy elements.

• Element 113 shows chemistry similarities to boron and thallium, and further research is required to understand its properties and potential uses.