Sosíum

Sosíum is a hypothetical chemical element with the symbol So and atomic number 120. As of its conception, it has not been synthesized or discovered. Theoretical predictions place sosíum in the s-block of the periodic table, as the first element in the eighth period. It would be an alkaline earth metal, falling below radium in Group 2.

Chemists have proposed that element 120 would possess properties characteristic of its group. This includes a high reactivity, a tendency to form a +2 oxidation state, and a low ionization energy. Due to relativistic effects, which become more pronounced for superheavy elements, some of its predicted properties might deviate from trends observed in lighter elements of the same group. For instance, its electron configuration might be influenced, potentially affecting its chemical behavior.

The synthesis of elements with atomic numbers greater than 118 is a significant challenge in nuclear physics. Researchers attempt to create such superheavy elements by fusing lighter atomic nuclei in particle accelerators. The successful synthesis of sosíum would require overcoming extreme instability, as predicted isotopes of element 120 are expected to have very short half-lives, decaying rapidly into lighter elements. The existence and properties of sosíum remain in the realm of theoretical research and experimental pursuit.