Meet the new element in town, “Ununpentium.” Researchers made this element by colliding atoms of calcium together with atoms of americium. The element, which scientists have temporarily named Ununpentium, contains 115 protons in its nucleus. The only problem is that the element disappeared moments after it was created. While element 115 has no known practical use, its creation is significant in the sense that it has given scientists hope that experiments like this will eventually lead to a lasting, useable element. Ununpentium is still awaiting judgment by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics. This committee will decide whether or not there is enough solid evidence for the element to be added to the periodic table.
I found this article intriguing because element 115 was made in a particle accelerator and, therefore, is one of the rarest substances on earth. It’s amazing to me that we have the ability to actually create such things.
Submitted by Kendra Schafer
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