The island of stability
period. Coupled with Berkelium’s half -life of 330 days and its access only being from one lab, the scientists did not have the luxury of time. It was further shown that the yield of Tennessine was far below what was desired. Throughout the creation of element 117, there would be large stretches where no molecules were found, leading to them roughly achieving one molecule per week. 13 As the number of protons increases, there is an increased risk of electron capture. This event occurs when the attractive forces are too great between the nucleus and electrons, leading to the electrons ending up focused in the nucleus rather than in the electron clouds. This will cause the outer bound protons to possibly react with the electrons, effectively combining into a neutron. Through this process the stability of the atom will be tarnished, causing it to collapse. 14 Finally, the synthesis of these new superheavy molecules is extremely expensive. In an interview with Yuri Oganessian, whom element 118 was named after, he claimed that, for the synthesis of Oganesson, the required use of Calcium-48 cost over $200,000 per gram 15 and was in use for over 1000 hours. After this only 3 atoms of Oganesson were reported to have been made. 16 This leads us to ask: if so much money is spent to form such a small amount of product, product with no obvious purpose and a half- life of only 0.9 seconds, 17 is the money being poured into the search for this island truly worth it? Creating these new elements for both study and use would open a new field of research, generating jobs and even enticing more people to follow a scientific route in life by proving just how little we know about the world and universe around us. With this said, the risks of the island of stability have to be addressed, because of the unknown nature of the elements we might encounter. In addition, if the Island is never found, the funds that were poured into it could be said to have been wasted. Finally, we have to acknowledge the heightened risk of weaponization of the new elements: states have previously demonstrated their willingness to use scientific research for military advantage. Therefore, should these elements of unknown ability be used irresponsibly, it could spell more damage to the world than benefit.
With this in mind, is the island of stability a plausible area of untapped potential, or will it forever be a place of whimsical hope, always out of our reach?
13 Clara Moskowitz ‘ Element 117 hints at ‘island of stability’ on periodic table’ Element 117 hints at 'island of stability' on periodic table | Nature consulted 22/08/2022. 14 Christopher S. Baird ‘ Why don’t electrons in the atom enter the nucleus’ Why don't electrons in the atom enter the nucleus? | Science Questions with Surprising Answers (wtamu.edu) consulted 22/08/2022. 15 Richard Grey ‘ Mr Element 118: The only living person on the periodic table’ Mr Element 118: The only living person on the periodic table | New Scientist consulted 23/08/2022. 16 Neel Solanki ‘ What is Oganesson’ Oganesson Uses & Facts | What is Element 118? | Study.com consulted 24/08/2022. 17 Richard Grey ‘ Mr Element 118: The only living person on the periodic table’ Mr Element 118: The only living person on the periodic table | New Scientist consulted 24/08/2022.
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