FOUR new elements (inc Japonicium and Moscovium?) - Periodic Table of Videos

TL;DR

Four new elements confirmed on the periodic table; created through specialized experiments in collaborations between labs.

Transcript

It's been a really good start to 2016 from the point of view of the periodic table. IUPAC, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, has confirmed the existence of four new elements. So if you look at the periodic table here, we have elements 113, 115, 117, 118, that have no names at the moment. They have symbols – Uup meaning 115 – bu... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 The discovery of new elements highlights the collaborative efforts between labs in different countries.
• 😫 Naming new elements involves a careful process following specific guidelines set by IUPAC.
• #️⃣ Even-numbered elements are generally more stable than odd-numbered elements due to their neutron-proton ratios.
• 🤨 The periodic table's completion of the seventh row marks a significant milestone in chemistry.
• 💨 The potential synthesis of element 120 could pave the way for further advancements in scientific research.
• 🚰 Chemistry’s progress continues beyond the current periodic table arrangements.
• 👨‍🔬 Collaboration between scientists and research centers is essential in confirming and naming newly synthesized elements.

Questions & Answers

Q: How are elements heavier than uranium synthesized?

Elements heavier than uranium are synthesized by bombarding heavy atoms with lighter ones, creating new nuclei through nuclear reactions in specialized labs.

Q: What are the criteria for naming a new element?

New elements can be named after places, countries, or deceased scientists, with the naming process involving approval from multiple labs and adherence to specific rules set by IUPAC.

Q: Why are even-numbered elements considered more stable than odd-numbered elements?

Even-numbered elements are considered more stable due to their balanced neutron-proton ratios, making them less prone to radioactive decay compared to odd-numbered elements.

Q: What implications do the discovery of new elements have for future scientific research?

The discovery of new elements expands our understanding of the periodic table and opens up possibilities for further research into creating elements for the eighth row.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• IUPAC confirmed the existence of elements 113, 115, 117, and 118, synthesized through complex experiments.

• Collaboration between labs in different countries was crucial in the discovery of these new elements.

• Naming of these elements follows specific rules, honoring deceased scientists and their contributions.