When was the most recent element discovered? This question often piques the curiosity of both scientists and enthusiasts alike. The discovery of new elements is a significant milestone in the field of chemistry, as it expands our understanding of the periodic table and the fundamental building blocks of matter. In this article, we will delve into the latest discovery and explore the journey that led to its identification.
The most recent element to be discovered is element 117, officially named tennessine (Ts). It was first synthesized in 2010 by a team of scientists at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the United States. The discovery was officially confirmed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) in June 2016.
The synthesis of element 117 involved bombarding a target made of bismuth-209 with calcium-48 ions using a linear accelerator. This process resulted in the creation of a single atom of tennessine, which decayed within milliseconds. The identification of this new element was based on the detection of its decay products, which were analyzed using a variety of techniques, including mass spectrometry and nuclear spectroscopy.
The discovery of element 117 was a collaborative effort involving scientists from various institutions around the world. The research team was led by Yuri Oganessian, a renowned nuclear physicist, and included experts from the United States, Russia, and Germany. The collaboration was essential in overcoming the numerous challenges associated with the synthesis and detection of such a rare and unstable element.
Element 117 is a member of the halogen group, which includes elements like fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. It is expected to have a high atomic number and a relatively short half-life, making it challenging to study in detail. However, the discovery of tennessine has provided valuable insights into the properties of elements in the upper reaches of the periodic table.
The discovery of element 117 is a testament to the ongoing quest for knowledge and the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery. It has expanded the boundaries of our understanding of the periodic table and has paved the way for future research in nuclear physics and chemistry. As we continue to explore the unknown, it is likely that more elements will be discovered, further enriching our understanding of the universe and its fundamental constituents.
