STABLE ELEMENTS Meaning and
Definition
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Stable elements refer to chemical elements that display a relatively low rate of decay or transformation over significant periods of time. In the context of the periodic table, stable elements are those that have a balanced ratio of protons and neutrons in their atomic nuclei, resulting in a long half-life or an absence of radioactive decay. Subdivided into three broad categories, stable elements include primordial elements, whose nuclei were formed in the Big Bang or supernova explosions; stable nuclides, which are a subset of isotopes and do not undergo decay; and artificially synthesized elements with long-lived isotopes.
Primordial stable elements, such as hydrogen, helium, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, were synthesized during the formative stages of the universe and have consistently displayed minimal decay. Stable nuclides, on the other hand, are typically isotopes with a balanced neutron-to-proton ratio, resulting in a stable nucleus. Examples include carbon-12, nitrogen-14, and oxygen-16. Lastly, artificially synthesized elements such as uranium-238 and plutonium-244 possess long half-lives, allowing them to persist without significant decay over time.
The stability of elements is of great significance in various fields, including chemistry, physics, and nuclear science. Stable elements play a crucial role in the understanding of isotopes, chemical reactions, and the behavior of atomic nuclei. Additionally, stable isotopes are extensively used in medical and scientific research, as well as in fields like geochemistry and archaeology, where they serve as valuable tracers for tracking elemental pathways and dating artifacts.
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Tissue cells which cease to multiply by mitosis at a certain period after birth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for STABLE ELEMENTS
Etymology of STABLE ELEMENTS
The word "stable" comes from the Latin word "stabilis", which means "steadfast" or "firm". It was borrowed into English in the early 13th century. The word "element" has its roots in the Latin word "elementum", which refers to a basic constituent or principle. When combined, "stable elements" typically refers to chemical elements that have relatively long half-lives and do not undergo spontaneous radioactive decay.
