This document describes how to theoretically create the yet undiscovered element ununennium with the atomic number 119 using the Proton Synchrotron (PS) particle accelerator in Geneva as well as how its existance can be verifyed. All necessary calculations are provided.
It was originally designed as a proposal for the CERN beamline for schools competition.
Table of Contents
1. Experiment
2. Evidence
2.1 Direct evidence
2.2 Evidence with decay
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this work is to theoretically explore and calculate the physical parameters required for the synthetic creation of the hypothetical chemical element ununennium (atomic number 119) through the fusion of lead-208 and rubidium-87. The research investigates the necessary kinetic energy, collision dynamics, and methods for experimental detection via particle decay analysis.
- Theoretical calculation of binding energy using the Bethe-Weizsäcker-formula
- Kinetic energy requirements for a fusion process between lead and rubidium
- Relativistic and classical momentum conservation in ion beam collisions
- Methodologies for experimental verification through mass spectrometry and alpha decay detection
- Analysis of decay products and radiation characteristics for identification
Excerpt from the book
I. Experiment
We direct a low-energy lead-208-ionbeam out of the LINAC 3 on rubidium-87-targets in order to create the new element ununennium with the atomic number 119. Either directly with the Lead Crystal Calorimeter or indirectly with the specific energy of the alpha particles that occur by the decay, we may prove the existence of single atoms.
Hopefully, this project doesn't take too much effort and an ion beam of such low kinetic energy will not make any problems in terms of radioprotection.
We decided to use the naturally present educts Pb 208/82 and Rb 87/37, whose sum of nucleons and protons equals exactly the numbers of Uue 295/119.
As projectile we utilize Pb 208/82, because all essential equipment for that isotope is already in place. The lighter weight of the target should cause no complications. The relative kinetic energy between the two cores is constant. A little hindrance could be that the metallic grid of the target lead would have smaller mashes as the one of rubidium, so that the collision's probability and the number of products could be lessened.
We assume a central collision of lead-ions with rubidium-atoms, which should transform moving to binding energy. The new ununennium-ion should therefore not be animated, but will be left with a rest momentum.
Summary of Chapters
1. Experiment: This chapter establishes the experimental setup for the fusion of lead and rubidium, defining the required kinetic energy and calculating the necessary parameters using the Bethe-Weizsäcker-formula.
2. Evidence: This chapter details the identification strategies for the newly formed element, proposing both direct detection methods and indirect verification via alpha decay analysis.
2.1 Direct evidence: This section discusses the possibility of observing ununennium ions using mass spectrometry or lead crystal calorimetry immediately after target collision.
2.2 Evidence with decay: This section explains how the detection of specific alpha particles from the decay of ununennium serves as a definitive signature for the element's synthesis.
Keywords
Ununennium, nuclear fusion, lead-208, rubidium-87, binding energy, Bethe-Weizsäcker-formula, kinetic energy, particle accelerator, alpha decay, mass spectrometry, ion beam, synthetic elements, nuclear physics, isotope, collision dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the theoretical framework and feasibility of synthesizing the hypothetical element ununennium (Z=119) by bombarding rubidium targets with lead ions.
What are the central thematic fields explored?
The work combines nuclear binding energy calculations, collision kinematics, and high-energy physics detection techniques.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The objective is to define the exact kinetic energy required for the fusion of Pb-208 and Rb-87 and to propose valid experimental methods to prove the successful creation of the new element.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The authors use the Bethe-Weizsäcker-formula for mass estimation and classic/relativistic conservation of momentum equations to model the fusion process.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the mathematical derivation of fusion energy, the simulation of ion collisions, and the analysis of decay chains, specifically focusing on alpha-particle emission.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Keywords include Nuclear Fusion, Ununennium, Binding Energy, Ion Beam, and Alpha Decay.
Why is the lead-208 isotope chosen as the projectile?
The authors choose lead-208 because the necessary experimental equipment for this specific isotope is already available, simplifying the practical implementation of the experiment.
How is the existence of the new element verified?
Verification is proposed through two paths: direct identification via a mass spectrometer or indirect identification by measuring the energy of alpha particles emitted during subsequent decay.
What role does the Bethe-Weizsäcker-formula play?
It acts as an accurate approximation for calculating the core internal binding energy, which is essential to determine the energy balance of the endothermic fusion process.
Why are the detectors mentioned in the context of the rubidium foil?
Detectors must be positioned behind a sufficiently thin rubidium foil to allow the emitted helium cores (alpha particles) to pass through and be measured, which confirms the decay of the unstable ununennium.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Moritz Lehmann (Autor:in), Fabian Tatai (Autor:in), Markus Dietel (Autor:in), 2014, How to discover a new element? The synthetic creation of the yet hypothetical element ununennium., München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/289334
