Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Gavin Wilkins on 07/07/2010 09:30:02

Title: Do atoms have a life span?
Post by: Gavin Wilkins on 07/07/2010 09:30:02

Gavin Wilkins  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi naked scientists...

I have a question about atoms... Are they eternal? Or do they have a 'life span' ... And if so, can atoms be created?

Regards

Gavin

What do you think?

Title: Do atoms have a life span?
Post by: syhprum on 09/07/2010 08:29:10

Protons are reputed to have a life of about 10^32 years but it has not been confirmed by experiment.

Title: Do atoms have a life span?
Post by: Pmb on 10/07/2010 22:45:24

Quote from: Gavin Wilkins  on 07/07/2010 09:30:02

Gavin Wilkins  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi naked scientists...

I have a question about atoms... Are they eternal? Or do they have a 'life span' ... And if so, can atoms be created?

Some atoms are radio active which means that they undergo spotaneous fission or perhaps beta decay (emits electron) or alpha decay (emits two bound protons). The end result is that the resulting atom(s) is not the same. E.g. a neutron has a half life of about 15 minutes.