One trivial detail not noticed before ... > Re: there could be dozens of trace elements present in any metal electrode, including uranium isomers [in the form of ORMES] - even in 99% pure [palladium] metal, yet in a low but useful concentration.
... although it is 'apropos to nothing' as they say, it worth noting that Pd is element 46 and U is element 92, and even though that 2:1 ratio is coincidental, as far as any of us know in 2010, it might turn up in someone's nuclear shell model as meaningful in a way which will be discovered in years to come. i.e. if it turns out that Pd could be a natural host for a particular U-isomer (~12 isomers are known). ... and secondly, at least 20 elements which are widely found in nature - including deuterium and bismuth, are inherently and completely unstable. (if you've got the time) IOW - Although you may not realize it, lead has the highest atomic number (82) of all of the stable elements, although the next higher element, Bi (and others including deuterium) has a half-life that is extremely long (longer than the age of the universe). These can and are considered "stable", but it is only an issue of semantics, according to the experts in such non-trivial pursuits. I have seen deuterium listed as "unstable" but with a half life much longer than 10^10 years. In that case, the slight instability could relate to the Oppenheimer-Phillips effect. How anyone can be sure of that is a mystery. Jones
