Nuclear physicists at RIKEN have successfully created an extremely neutron-rich isotope of sodium, 39 Na, previously predicted by many atomic nuclei models to be non-existent. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of atomic nuclei structure and the astrophysical processes that form heavier elements on Earth.
Nuclear physicists have made the most neutron-rich form of sodium yet, which will help reveal more about the complex world of nuclei.
Physicists at RIKEN have created an exceptionally neutron-rich sodium isotope, 39 Na, which was previously believed to be impossible. This breakthrough has major implications for understanding atomic nuclei structure and the creation of Earth’s heavier elements.