Why there is no isotope of hydrogen with an atomic weight of four?

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The discussion centers on the absence of a hydrogen isotope with an atomic weight of four, specifically questioning the stability of a nucleus composed of one proton and three neutrons. It is noted that tritium, a hydrogen isotope with one proton and two neutrons, is radioactive and decays, suggesting that a hypothetical H^4 would likely be unstable due to internuclear forces. Participants explore the concept of isospin to understand why such a nucleus cannot exist, with one member proposing calculations to demonstrate unreasonable results. The conversation highlights the contrast between the stability of helium-4 and the non-existence of hydrogen-4, raising questions about the underlying principles governing nuclear stability. The discussion concludes with a consensus on the complexities of nuclear forces and isospin in explaining this phenomenon.
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Homework Statement





Homework Equations


why there is no isotope of hydrogen with an atomic weight of four?


The Attempt at a Solution


i find that such an isotope would have an isotopic spin state of 1/2 |2-1> + 3/2 |1 -1>
is there a reason for this state to not exist?
 
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Do you mean hydrogen with a nucleus of 1 proton and 3 neutrons?

Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen with 1 proton and 2 neutrons. It usually decays via
<br /> H^3 -&gt; (He^3)^+ + e^- + \nu^-<br />

Perhaps <br /> H^4<br /> would be unstable due to internuclear forces.

jsc
 
yes. I want to explain why a nucleus of 1 proton and 3 neutrons does not exist by using the isospin.
so i thought i should calculate the isospin of the combination n+n, then the combination p+n and then combine the results to find the isospin of the nucleus.
i assume that i sould find an unreasonable result to explain why it doesn't exist.
Any idea?
 
There are no restrictions, other than that supplied by the Pauli Principle, on isospins of any set of protons and neutrons. Why would there be?

Why would Nature allow Helium 4, but not Hydrogen 4?
Regards,
Reilly Atkinson
 
i did my research on the subject and you are wright reilly.
thanks!
 

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