First Synthesis of Meitnerium in Germany
August 29th, 1982
August 29th, 1982
How Long Ago?
42 years, 6 months, 15 days ago
Location
Darmstadt, Germany
Category
Science & Technology
People
- Albert Ghiorso
- Glenn T. Seaborg
Links & References
Tags
First Synthesis of Meitnerium in Germany
Meitnerium, a synthetic element with atomic number 109, was first synthesized at the Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung (GSI) in Darmstadt, Germany. Researchers Albert Ghiorso, Glenn T. Seaborg, and their team were able to create this element by bombarding bismuth with heavy ions of iron. The successful synthesis marked a significant milestone in the field of nuclear chemistry and expanded the periodic table.
Element 109 named after Lise Meitner
First synthesized at Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung
Created via cold fusion technique with heavy ions
Two atoms of Meitnerium were produced during the experiment
What Happened?
The synthesis of Meitnerium represented a remarkable achievement in nuclear chemistry, taking place at the Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt, a leading research facility dedicated to heavy ion research. The team led by physicist Albert Ghiorso and chemist Glenn T. Seaborg aimed to explore further elements beyond those previously known in the periodic table. By directing beams of iron-58 ions at a target made of bismuth-209, they successfully created the first isotopes of Meitnerium through a process known as cold fusion. Two atoms of this newly synthesized element were observed, taking the periodic table number to 109.The naming of Meitnerium honored the physicist Lise Meitner, who played a significant role in the discovery of nuclear fission. This choice was significant as it acknowledged the contributions of women in science during a time when they were often overlooked. The successful synthesis not only added complexity to the periodic table but also touched upon broader themes in chemistry and the pursuit of understanding atomic structures. The work done at GSI set a strong precedent for future research involving superheavy elements, paving the way for a multitude of potential discoveries in chemical properties, stability, and applications in various fields.
Why Does it Matter?
The synthesis of Meitnerium was pivotal for advancing the field of nuclear chemistry and showcased the capabilities of synthetic element production. It reignited interest in experiments concerning superheavy elements, which hold distinct properties not observed in lighter elements. As scientists ventured into studies of the behavior and characteristics of such elements, it solidified the interdisciplinary connections of chemistry with physics, deepening our understanding of atomic interactions and the limits of the periodic table.
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