Description
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Ununpentium is a synthetic element with an atomic weight of 299. Not much else is known about this element, except that it is a super-heavy element. It is not known what its physical state may be, or even what group or period it should be placed in. From preliminary studies, it is predicted to show alteration under relativistic effects. Currently this element is only synthesized for research purposes. There are no commercial uses, or predicted commercial uses, of ununpentium.
Isolation
Ununpentium does not exist in nature in any form. This element can only be synthesized in very minute quantities using specialized equipment and procedures.
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Ununpentium, also called eka-bismuth, has only been synthesized a few times in history. The synthesis process first occurred in 2004, and again in 2006. So far, only a few atoms of ununpentium have ever been created. The atoms undergo alpha decay into the element ununtrium in a time span of less than 100 milliseconds. The very brief time that the element has been in existence has reduced possible studies on the element to ascertain its chemical traits and characteristics.
The synthesis of ununpentium is produced from the isotopic forms of americium and calcium. During this procedure, the isotope of americium, number 243, undergoes nuclear fusion with the isotope of calcium, number 48, to produce two isotopes of ununpentium. The isotopes of ununpentium that are produced are numbers 287 and 288; seven neutrons are also produced from this reaction. Once the isotopes of ununpentium are formed, they undergo rapid alpha decay into ununtrium. The ununtrium quickly decays itself into an isotope of helium.