The National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory of the Michigan State University NSCL scientists have successfully discovered three isotopes. This was done in an attempt to understand the elements inside the stars and supernovas.
The NSCL scientists found out that the new isotopes existed for only fractions of second after the atomic collisions. As of now, about 300 stable isotopes exist. Roughly, about 3000 unstable ones are possible. In order to find this, the scientists actually bombarded a tungsten target with a tungsten beam.
The research was reported in the journal, Nature. The elements Magnesium, aluminum as well as Carbon have a certain number of protons. There are no good theories as to predict the number of protons. Along with the protons, the neutrons help form the nuclei of any chemical element.
The discovery of isotopes and the study related to the nucleus will help the scientists understand the elements of the ’strong force’, that binds the nucleus together. I think this has been a unique study and reading it helped me understand the construction of a nucleus and the structure of the same.
Image Credit:Nature.com
