[TML] Science question: New elements...?

[Jerry W Barrington]

On 9/8/07 11:37 PM, Joel wrote:

> Does the Periodic Table predict or prove that ALL Elements are present and
> accounted for?
> 
> I'm just trying to think some science fiction scenarios through with a
> healthy dose of science.
> For instance, probes won't land on a far-away planet and "discover"
> 'Unobtainium'?
> 
> What is preventing elements above the highest numbered element currently
> known from existing?

The Periodic Table is only a catalog of known elements.  No proof is
possible from it alone (altho analysis of it can suggest fruitful lines of
research and some prediction).

As Tyler pointed out, scientists suspect there *may* be relatively stable
elements undiscovered yet.  They are unlikely to be useful Unobtainiums tho,
as they would take enormous energy to create, and half-lives are probably
less than a day.  But there is great uncertainty, so you could do it and
still be this side of the SF/Fantasy line.  :)