Scientists Pave the Way for Element 120 Using Titanium Ions
Key Points: Scientists aim to create element 120 using electrically charged titanium ions and a californium target. Livermorium (element 116) was successfully created using titanium ions, paving the way for the search for element 120. Traditional methods using calcium-48 are becoming impractical due to radioactive and short-lived target elements. Discovering element 120 would add a new row to the periodic table and enhance our understanding of superheavy elements. In a groundbreaking move to expand the periodic table, scientists are exploring the creation of element 120 by utilizing electrically charged titanium atoms, or ions, and slamming them into a californium target....