How do scientists discover new elements?

In one line

The rule

A new element is discovered when scientists find or create atoms with a unique number of protons (atomic number) that do not match any known element.

Each element has a unique atomic number (Z), which is the number of protons in its nucleus.

Let's understand it simply

Imagine you are collecting cricket cards. Each card has a different player. If you find a card with a player no one has seen before, you have discovered a new card for your collection. In chemistry, each element is like a unique card, but instead of players, it is the number of protons in its atom.

Sometimes, scientists find new elements in nature, like gold or iron in the ground. But most new elements now are made in labs. Scientists smash tiny particles together at very high speeds to make new atoms. If the new atom has a number of protons that no other element has, it is a new element.

How it works

1. Search in nature: Scientists look for unknown elements in rocks, minerals, or even in space.
2. Use particle accelerators: They speed up atoms and smash them into each other to try to make new ones.
3. Detect new atoms: Special machines (detectors) look for signs of atoms with a new number of protons.
4. Check the evidence: Scientists repeat the experiment to make sure the new atom is real and not a mistake.
5. Confirm the discovery: Other scientists check the results. If everyone agrees, the new element is officially named.
6. Name and add to the periodic table: The new element gets a name and a spot in the periodic table.

The story behind it

The first elements, like copper and gold, were found in nature thousands of years ago. But as science grew, people wanted to find more. In the 1800s, Dmitri Mendeleev made the periodic table and left gaps for elements not yet found. This helped scientists know what to look for.

In the 20th century, scientists started making new elements in labs. For example, in 1940, neptunium was made by bombarding uranium with neutrons. Today, most new elements are made in big labs with huge machines. Discoveries are often shared between countries, like Russia and the USA working together.

Where you see it in real life

• Uranium in rocks: Uranium was found in minerals, showing a new element in nature.
• Making plutonium in reactors: Scientists made plutonium by adding neutrons to uranium in a nuclear reactor.
• Particle accelerators: Elements like oganesson (element 118) were made by smashing calcium into californium.
• Smoke detectors: Americium, a man-made element, is used in some smoke alarms.
• Medical tracers: Technetium, made in labs, is used in hospitals to scan organs.
• Space dust: Scientists sometimes find traces of rare elements in meteorites.

Why it matters

• Expands our knowledge: Each new element helps us understand how atoms work.
• New materials: Some elements have special uses, like americium in smoke detectors.
• Medical advances: Lab-made elements can be used for cancer treatment or medical scans.
• Completes the periodic table: Finding new elements fills gaps and tests our scientific ideas.

Worked example

Let's see how scientists discovered element 114 (flerovium):

Given: Scientists want to make element 114 (should have 114 protons)
Step 1: Choose two elements to combine (calcium, Z=20; plutonium, Z=94)
Step 2: Use a particle accelerator to speed up calcium atoms
Step 3: Smash calcium into plutonium target
Step 4: If they stick, the new atom has 20 + 94 = 114 protons
Step 5: Detect the new atom using special sensors
Step 6: Repeat to confirm it is real
Step 7: Announce the discovery and propose a name

Common mistakes

• Thinking all elements are found in nature: Many new elements are only made in labs.
• Confusing isotopes with new elements: Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different neutrons, not new elements.
• Believing discovery is quick: It often takes years and many tries to confirm a new element.
• Assuming new elements are always useful: Some exist for only a fraction of a second and have no practical use yet.

Remember it

A new element means a new number of protons — like adding a new player to the team!