superheavy element
Lab-made atomic giant
A superheavy element is one with an atomic number greater than 103, beyond the actinide series on the periodic table.
These elements are synthetic—created in particle accelerators by smashing lighter atoms together—and typically exist for only fractions of a second before decaying.
Scientists pursue them partly to test theories about a predicted "island of stability" where some superheavy nuclei might persist longer.
Oganesson is the heaviest superheavy element yet synthesized.
Theorized long-lived superheavy elements
- magic numbersUnexplained literal values in code
- protonsPositive nuclear particles
- neutronsUncharged subatomic particles
- nucleusCentral controlling part
relativistic effects · quantum mechanics · theoretical models
Device speeding subatomic bits
- cyclotronSpiral-path particle accelerator
- linear acceleratorStraight-path particle accelerator
- targetObject of pursuit
- fusion reactionNuclei combining into heavier elements
cold fusion · projectile · bombardment · berkelium · californium · cross section · nucleosynthesis · collider
Synthetic element, number 114
- rutherfordiumSynthetic element, number 104
- atomic numberProton quantity per nucleus
- transuraniumHeavier than element ninety-two
- actinidesRadioactive metallic element series
Gradual organic breakdown
- half-lifePeriod for fifty-percent reduction
- alpha decayEmission of helium nuclei
- millisecondsThousandths of a second
- microsecondsMillion per second
isotope · radioactivity · gamma rays · alpha particles · instability · fleeting · transient · detection
Assigning a label
- confirmationEstablishing something as true
- detectionAct of finding something
- creditRecognition or payment deferral
- verificationProving something accurate
island of stability
Theorized long-lived superheavy elements
- magic numbersUnexplained literal values in code
- protonsPositive nuclear particles
- neutronsUncharged subatomic particles
nucleus · relativistic effects · quantum mechanics · theoretical models
particle accelerator
Device speeding subatomic bits
- cyclotronSpiral-path particle accelerator
- linear acceleratorStraight-path particle accelerator
- targetObject of pursuit
fusion reaction · cold fusion · projectile · bombardment · berkelium · californium · cross section · nucleosynthesis · collider · synthesis
flerovium
Synthetic element, number 114
- rutherfordiumSynthetic element, number 104
- atomic numberProton quantity per nucleus
- transuraniumHeavier than element ninety-two
decay
Gradual organic breakdown
- half-lifePeriod for fifty-percent reduction
- alpha decayEmission of helium nuclei
- millisecondsThousandths of a second
microseconds · isotope · radioactivity · gamma rays · alpha particles · instability · fleeting · transient · detection · isomer
naming
Assigning a label
- confirmationEstablishing something as true
- detectionAct of finding something
- creditRecognition or payment deferral
heavy, element, elements, heavier, superheavy elements, heaviest, superheavy, super-