Japanese scientists from the University of Kyusu have made a groundbreaking discovery that could change our understanding of the stability of atomic nuclei, the building blocks of all matter in the Universe. They found that a previously underestimated force, known as three-nucleon interaction, plays a crucial role in determining the stability of atoms.
Traditionally, scientists focused on the two-nucleon interaction as the main factor in the formation and stability of atomic nuclei. However, through complex computing models and supercomputer simulations, the researchers demonstrated that the three-nucleon interaction is far more significant than previously thought.
In their study, published in a scientific journal, the scientists explained how three nucleons, which are protons and neutrons, interact within the nucleus. This interaction redistributes energy and movement, making the nucleus more stable and affecting the overall structure of the atom.
The analogy used by the researchers to describe this phenomenon is a game of “catch-up” between particles, where the addition of a third player complicates the process. The three-nucleon interaction results in a significant increase in the energy gap between levels in the nucleus, making the atom more stable as more nucleons are added.
This discovery has profound implications for our understanding of nuclear synthesis and the formation of heavy elements in the Universe. It sheds light on why certain elements are stable while others are not, challenging previous assumptions about atomic nuclei.
Furthermore, the researchers found that the three-nucleon interaction generates a quantum entanglement effect between particles, opening up new possibilities for quantum research and computing. Future studies will focus on exploring this effect in heavier elements, potentially leading to more discoveries that deepen our understanding of the fundamental structure of matter.