Nihonium
Definition and meaning of Nihonium in chemistry.
![Nihonium element card: symbol Nh, atomic number 113, atomic mass [286], electron configuration [Rn] 5f¹⁴ 6d¹⁰ 7s² 7p¹, Unknown, group 13, period 7.](/assets/images/terms/nihonium-chemical-element.webp)
Nihonium is a synthetic radioactive element possessing the symbol Nh and atomic number 113. It is an artificially produced superheavy element created exclusively in controlled laboratory environments. No naturally occurring primordial isotopes of this element exist anywhere on Earth.
In more detail
Nihonium safely resides in group 13 and period 7 of the modern periodic table. This specific placement positions it directly beneath the element thallium in the boron group. Chemists formally categorize it as a post-transition metal in standard chemical family charts.
However, its actual chemical properties are heavily influenced by very strong relativistic effects. Relativistic effects occur when inner electrons move so fast they approach the speed of light. This extreme speed alters their mass and changes how the atom bonds with other elements.
Theoretical chemical models predict that nihonium will exhibit a +1 oxidation state in most compounds. This differs greatly from the typical +3 oxidation state seen in lighter group 13 elements like aluminum. Nihonium is highly unstable and rapidly undergoes alpha decay almost immediately after its formation.
The most stable known isotope is nihonium-286, which has a short half-life of approximately 10 seconds. This intense and rapid radioactivity makes it impossible to study its bulk physical characteristics safely. Its incredibly limited production yield also makes standard chemical testing entirely unfeasible using current technology.
Chemists hope that studying nihonium will help them locate the theoretical island of stability. This is a predicted region where future superheavy isotopes might actually remain stable for years.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Nh |
| Atomic number | 113 |
| Atomic mass | [286] u |
| Category | Unknown |
| State at room temperature | Expected to be a solid |
| Year discovered | 2003 |
| Discoverer | Joint Institute for Nuclear Research and RIKEN |
Scientists must carefully create nihonium atom by atom inside massive particle accelerators. They typically achieve this by bombarding a target of bismuth-209 with a beam of zinc-70 ions. Researchers only produce this rare element for the purpose of pure scientific inquiry. They want to learn more about the fundamental limits of atomic structure.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the name nihonium come from?
The official element name is derived directly from the traditional word Nihon. This is one of the two traditional ways to say Japan in the Japanese language. It honors the scientists at the RIKEN institute in Japan where the element was officially isolated.
Is nihonium dangerous?
Nihonium would be highly dangerous to humans due to its extremely intense radioactivity. However, it only exists for a few seconds in highly controlled laboratory settings. Because it decays so quickly, it poses no actual threat to the general public.
Related terms
Sources & references
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