what is the island of stability

Question: what is the island of stability
- Keywords:
  island of stability
Asked by petrolhead918spyder to James, Joe, Leonie, Olivia on 18 Mar 2015.
- James Pope answered on 18 Mar 2015:
  
  Hi Petrolhead918spyder,
  
  As I understand it, the Island of Stability is a series of heavy elements that have been suggested exist that are as heavy as Uranium but more stable. This is a bit of a strange term, because all elements beyond lead are breaking down with a half life, a feature of radioactive decay. The “stability” term comes from the suggestion that instead of measuring their half lives in minutes or days we would measure their half lives in months or years, which would make them more stable.
  
  However, we are right out on the edge of my knowledge here and I may nto be entirely right!
- Leonie Oostwoud Wijdenes answered on 18 Mar 2015:
  
  Sorry, I had never heard of such an island and have nothing to add to James explanation.
- Joe Spencer answered on 18 Mar 2015:
  
  James is right. This island of stability is a theorised zone where heavy elements are expected to have longer half lifes. However we’ve never managed to prove it.
- Olivia Lynes answered on 18 Mar 2015:
  
  wow I think I’m learning more on these chats than the students! Thanks for the explanations.

Question: what is the island of stability