- #1
swampwiz
- 571
- 83
AIUI, the R-process in a supernova creates all the heavy isotopes, and that the existence of Pu-244 in the early solar system has been confirmed. It has been stated at the physics stack exchange forum that the theoretically shortest half-life possible is ~ 3 x 10-24 seconds, so let's consider that to be the minimum criteria. I guess this question could be considered inductive starting with "is it possible to create Pu-245 or Am-245", etc., and the work from there. As for the mass of the star, I presume that a most massive star would produce the most massive isotope, and that the most massive star observed is 226 Suns (please correct me if I'm wrong; I found this figure on Wikipedia). Also, let's discount the fact that a neutron star is technically a single nucleus.
Does it turn out that the theoretical heaviest isotope from the R-process of a supernova is basically the same as the most massive isotope that could be artificially produced? I think I've read that the maximum number of protons in a nucleus is 137.
Does it turn out that the theoretical heaviest isotope from the R-process of a supernova is basically the same as the most massive isotope that could be artificially produced? I think I've read that the maximum number of protons in a nucleus is 137.