terahertzien

Terahertzien is a hypothetical element with the symbol Thz and atomic number 120. It is predicted to be the first element of the eighth period of the periodic table, belonging to the alkaline earth metals. As an undiscovered element, its properties are based on theoretical calculations and extrapolations from known trends in the periodic table.

Theoretical predictions suggest that terahertzien would be a highly reactive metal, similar to its lighter congener radium. Its electron configuration is expected to be [Og] 8s², indicating it would readily lose its two valence electrons to form a +2 cation. Due to relativistic effects, which become increasingly significant for superheavy elements, its chemical behavior might deviate somewhat from the typical trends of alkaline earth metals.

The synthesis of terahertzien is a significant challenge in nuclear physics. It would likely be produced through heavy-ion fusion reactions, such as bombarding a target of californium with ions of calcium. The extreme instability of superheavy nuclei means that terahertzien, if synthesized, would have a very short half-life, decaying rapidly through alpha emission or spontaneous fission. Detecting and characterizing such short-lived isotopes requires highly specialized experimental setups. The existence and properties of terahertzien remain in the realm of theoretical prediction, awaiting experimental verification.