Science Series: The Discovery of Super Heavy Elements with Dr Ben Still

It has been a long time since chemistry has led to the discovery of a new chemical element. Four new elements (atomic numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118) were officially named in 2016, but these were not isolated in a lab. Instead these elements lived for fleeting moments in the heart of a particle accelerator. Modern element hunting requires a team of accelerators scientists, engineers and nuclear physicists.

This talk explores the role of these element pioneers, the science behind their thinking and what the future might hold for the periodic table.

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