Discovery of element 113 (nihonium)

Definition

The discovery of element 113, known as nihonium (Nh), represents a significant achievement in nuclear physics and chemistry as it is the first element to be synthesized in Japan. This element falls into the category of superheavy elements, which are atoms that have a very high atomic number, and is classified as an exotic nucleus due to its instability and short half-life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nihonium was officially recognized and named in 2016, with its name derived from 'Nihon', the Japanese word for Japan, reflecting the country's role in its discovery.
2. The element was synthesized by a team of researchers at the RIKEN institute in Japan using a particle accelerator to collide lighter elements, specifically bismuth and calcium.
3. Nihonium is highly unstable, with its most stable isotope, Nh-286, having a half-life of only about 20 milliseconds before decaying into lighter elements.
4. As a superheavy element, nihonium has properties that are not fully understood due to its short-lived existence and the complexities involved in studying such heavy nuclei.
5. The discovery of nihonium contributes to the ongoing research into the limits of the periodic table and the potential for finding even heavier elements.

Review Questions

• How did the synthesis of nihonium contribute to our understanding of superheavy elements?
  • The synthesis of nihonium provided valuable insights into the behavior and properties of superheavy elements. It demonstrated the feasibility of creating elements with high atomic numbers through nuclear reactions, specifically by colliding lighter nuclei. Nihonium's discovery also helped researchers explore the challenges associated with studying these elements, such as their rapid decay and the need for advanced detection techniques.
• Discuss the significance of nihonium's naming and how it reflects cultural contributions to scientific achievements.
  • Nihonium's naming reflects a deep cultural significance as it honors Japan's contribution to the field of nuclear physics and chemistry. By naming the element after 'Nihon', the Japanese word for Japan, it emphasizes national pride in scientific advancements. This not only celebrates Japan's role in discovering new elements but also highlights the collaborative nature of scientific progress across countries.
• Evaluate the impact of discovering nihonium on future research directions in nuclear physics and chemistry.
  • The discovery of nihonium paves the way for future research in nuclear physics and chemistry by pushing the boundaries of the periodic table. It raises questions about the stability of superheavy elements and their potential for forming new compounds. Moreover, understanding nihonium's properties could lead to insights regarding the forces that hold atomic nuclei together, guiding scientists toward discovering even heavier elements and better understanding fundamental interactions at play within atomic structures.

Related terms

Superheavy Elements: Elements that have an atomic number greater than 104, typically characterized by their instability and tendency to undergo radioactive decay.

Synthetic Elements: Elements that are not found naturally on Earth and are created artificially through nuclear reactions, often in particle accelerators.

Radioactive Decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, leading to the transformation into a different element or isotope.