Chemical composition has no effect on nuclear decay (if I recall correctly). The stability of a particular isotope is determined by the configuration of the nucleus.
There are two opposing forces within the nucleus of an atom, the Strong force and the Weak force (the Weak force may partially include the electromagnetic force as well).
The Weak force acts as a repellent between nuclear particles but is, as the name implies, weak.
The Strong force binds the nuclear particles together, but the Strong force can only work over extremely small distances, and the diameter of some of the larger nuclei test the limits of its binding power.
Stable atomic configurations have very precise ratios of protons to neutrons, which keep the two forces balanced.
Several things can disrupt this balance, and cause decay:
Beta decay: the nucleus emits a beta particle (electron or positron) and becomes either the next highest or next lowest element, but the atomic weight remains the same
Neutron emission: a neutron is ejected, the element stays the same, but the atomic weight is reduced by 1
Alpha decay: the nucleus emits an entire helium nucleus (2 protons, 2 neutrons) and decreases in atomic number by 4, and jumps down the periodic table by 2 elements.
The opposite of these can also occur if the Beta, Alpha or Neutron particle collides with an existing nucleus.
You should recall just fine.
Your reading it out of a book.
flyingbuttressman
30th May 2012 - 09:42 PM
QUOTE (Whitewolf4869+May 30 2012, 05:21 PM)
You should recall just fine.
Your reading it out of a book.
I verified a couple things on wikipedia, but most of that is from memory. Gotta love your "ignorance is strength" attitude.
J Hattermann
30th May 2012 - 10:11 PM
Thanks for the fast reply, you've cleared things up for me
flyingbuttressman
30th May 2012 - 10:21 PM
QUOTE (J Hattermann+May 30 2012, 06:11 PM)
Thanks for the fast reply, you've cleared things up for me
Glad I could help!
MadScientist17
8th February 2013 - 01:43 AM
it is possible but there has to be a solution between the two opposing forces in order to balance it out. I read about element 117 and I am trying to come up with solutions and different chemical substances that could be added to stabilize it. No luck yet but I will figure it out. There is always a solution.
...Question everything - Albert Einstein
Robittybob1
8th February 2013 - 01:55 AM
QUOTE (MadScientist17+Feb 8 2013, 01:43 AM)
it is possible but there has to be a solution between the two opposing forces in order to balance it out. I read about element 117 and I am trying to come up with solutions and different chemical substances that could be added to stabilize it. No luck yet but I will figure it out. There is always a solution.
...Question everything - Albert Einstein
I think you need some chemical substances to stabilize yourself before you worry about element 117!
MadScientist17
8th February 2013 - 02:02 AM
HOW CAN I *** STABILIZE MYSELF IF YOU ARE THIS FUCKIN STUPID!!
Robittybob1
8th February 2013 - 02:07 AM
QUOTE (MadScientist17+Feb 8 2013, 02:02 AM)
HOW CAN I *** STABILIZE MYSELF IF YOU ARE THIS FUCKIN STUPID!!
in your own words "No luck yet but I will figure it out. There is always a solution."
See there is a solution to every problem and the Mercurii are mine.
Robittybob1
8th February 2013 - 05:14 AM
MadScientist you made me laugh so much today, I can't quite get over it.
AJKOER
15th April 2013 - 03:07 AM
Not much of a nuclear chemist, but here is a guess in the case where the cause of the stability is related to radioactive decay. Look at Pb (or perhaps Hg) as a possible alloy. The logic is that the Lead would dilute and shield the element, in part, from itself. That is, particular atoms may be undergoing decay and their emissions may contribute to a lack of stability in their neighoring atoms. It is assumed that exposure to such decay generally characterizes the element's low average half-life, and adding Pb may change favorably that half-life. Once the precise structure of the alloy is assessed, a kinetic decay model may be able to predict the increase in average half-life.
Statistical failure laws that appear to model corrosion patterns may be applicable.
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