The densest natural element on the periodic table is the metal osmium. At room temperature, it forms a solid with density . 22.59 grams per cubic centimeter – almost twice It has approximately the same density as the Earth’s inner core. Jupiter’s core.
However, there are some objects in our solar system that appear to be much denser than osmium. Even the planet’s core is an asteroid with no mass to compress the minerals into a super-dense state.
This leads scientists to discover that beyond the periodic table, beyond the unstable radioactive superheavy elements with atomic numbers 105 to 118, which have only been observed in laboratories, there are I began to speculate that stable elements may exist.
It is not even known whether elements with more than 118 protons are stable. They have never been observed in the wild or in the laboratory. However, according to theoretical research, island of stability around it Atomic number 164Superheavy elements are less susceptible to radioactive decay, so they are likely to persist, at least for a while.
These heavier elements are expected to be denser, which could explain unusual observations about asteroids. 33 Polyhymnia, a rock in the asteroid belt approximately 50 to 60 kilometers (about 30 to 36 miles) in diameter. One measurement yields a polyhymnia density of 33. 75.28 grams/cubic centimeterclassified as a potential compact ultradense object (Kudo).
Such extreme outliers may be the result of incorrect measurements.Even the astronomer who made the calculations pointed out that it is unrealistic.
But physicists Evan LaForge, Will Price, and Johan Rafelski from the University of Arizona wanted to investigate whether such densities were at least physically plausible.
They based their research on a model of the atom called . thomas fermi modelis known to be a crude but useful method for forming a basic approximation of the behavior of a particular atom. Based on this framework, the researchers investigated the atomic structures of hypothetical superheavy elements.
“Despite its relative inaccuracy, we chose this model because it allows us to systematically investigate the behavior of atoms as a function of atomic number beyond the known periodic table.” Rafelski says.
“A further consideration is that it also allows Evan to explore many atoms in the short amount of time available. [LaForge], our outstanding undergraduate students. ”
Their calculations were consistent with an island of stability previously predicted to exist at atomic number 164. They then showed that the density range of this element is between 36 and 68.4 grams per cubic centimeter. This is close to the dense calculation of 33 Polyhymnia.
That doesn’t mean 33 Polyhymnia is super dense. That means there could be an explanation for the (possibly false) measurement of hyperdensity that doesn’t require reaching into the basket of mysterious things.
“The goal of this study was to determine whether CUDOs with extreme mass densities can be achieved without the need for strange matter or dark matter, as they are usually invoked.” The researchers write in their paper:.
“We did this while exploring two different nuclear systems using the relativistic Thomas-Fermi model. From the exploration of both standard and alpha matter, we found that both types of nuclear material were found in asteroids. It is clear that polyhymnia can explain the densities seen in CUDOs such as 33.”
They say this study demonstrates the utility of the Thomas-Fermi model for investigating the properties of hypothetical superheavy elements and provides the basis for its more robust analysis.
This study European Physical Journal Plus.
