Source: Periodic Table of Elements – Radioactive Elements _ Nuclear Regulatory Commission _ Flickr
We have advanced a great deal in the field of chemistry and today, we know about more than 180 elements that appear on our planet. The discovery and study of the periodic table is a cornerstone of modern history but surprisingly it is still not finished.
Contrary to many people’s beliefs, many chemists feel like there are still some undiscovered elements that need to be added to this periodic table. These elements might be lurking far away in the Cosmos or are just waiting for us to reshape our understanding and find them on our planet itself. The reason could be anything, but exploring and trying to find these hypothetical elements is a great challenge indeed. One that our chemists have taken very long ago.
The Quest
In the study of chemistry, the periodic table of elements is a table in which the elements are arranged in a systematic manner as per their atomic structure or physical properties. So far, up to Qganesson, which is also referred to as element 118, has been established. These two types of elements are either produced artificially in laboratories at extreme temperatures or found in the nature. Still, the theoretical predictions indicate that there could be elements in addition to Oganesson which could result in additional sections of the periodic table being formulated.
So, basically our quest right now entails the discovery of new elements and addition of these in the periodic table. The journey has been ongoing for quite a while and we have come up with both predictions and theories related to the undiscovered elements.
Predictions
The scientific reasoning of scholars regarding elements that have not yet been discovered relies more on theoretical models and predictions. These types of predictions have their basis from the various principles that relate to quantum physics and nuclear physics. Moreover, scientists observe that as the periodic table is being added with new elements, such new elements’ properties get affected by relativistic effects which happen when there is rapid motion of electrons almost at the speed of light.
As of now, scientists have geared up to find element number 119 and 120. When will we complete the periodic table though? This question remains unanswered.
Potential Discoveries
Many potential discoveries have been made over the years with the help of the following processes:
- New Chemistry: New types of chemical reactions, and even entirely new types of bonding may be introduced upon the discovery of new elements. The elements from higher periods may have special characteristics that would not fit in the current chemistry and warrant new models to be proposed.
- Advances in Technology: Other than chemistry, new elements may have used even in technology and materials science. For instance, synthesis of superheavy elements could engender exploratory new types of alloys more likely applicable to electronics, energy storage systems and other industries.
- Understanding Atomic Nuclei: The search for new atomic elements enriches not only the periodic table but also in turn the knowledge of the atomic core and the forces that bind it. Thus, this information can further help to address broader questions regarding the state of matter stability and the environments that need to exist for creating elements in stars and supernovae.
Experimental Methods
Advanced equipment and high-energy particle accelerators are beneficial whilst designing new experiments aimed at finding the potential undiscovered elements. In particular, the researchers use particles accelerators to collide lighter nuclei at very high velocity hoping that such a collision would give birth to heavier nuclei that are detectable and further studied. The creation and discoveries of new elements always need extensive collaborations and high dimensional approaches as they nearly always require high accuracy measurements.
Another method is to take an already existing compound/element and change its composition a little bit by either adding, removing, or swapping atoms from it. Scientists also try to do so by taking known chemical reactions and changing the elements used in them. Both of these methods are used for looking for unknowns by using the known. So, while the process of prediction and modelling is tough, the experimental methods of discovery aren’t that easy either.
Resources
The Quest
- https://www.facebook.com/thoughtcodotcom. (2019). Are There Still Undiscovered Chemical Elements Waiting to Be Found? ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/are-there-any-undiscovered-elements-608819
- Powell, D. (2016, January 19). When Will We Reach the End of the Periodic Table? Smithsonian Magazine; Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/when-will-we-reach-end-periodic-table-180957851/
‌Predictions
- Powell, D. (2016, January 19). When Will We Reach the End of the Periodic Table? Smithsonian Magazine; Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/when-will-we-reach-end-periodic-table-180957851/
Potential Discoveries
- Quora. (2021, June 28). Are There Undiscovered Elements Elsewhere In The Universe? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2017/06/15/are-there-undiscovered-elements-elsewhere-in-the-universe/
Methodology
- Addicoat, M. (2023, October 18). Only 1% of chemicals in the universe have been discovered. Here’s how scientists are hunting for the rest. Livescience.com; Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/chemistry/only-1-of-chemicals-in-the-universe-have-been-discovered-heres-how-scientists-are-hunting-for-the-rest
- https://www.facebook.com/thoughtcodotcom. (2020). How Are New Elements Discovered? ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/how-are-new-elements-discovered-606638
