[Winston Smith Jr.]

physicists have predicted ‘islands of stability’ at atomic numbers 114, 120 and/or 126, where the protons and neutrons might be able to jostle themselves into a shape that minimises contact between the protons.

That's a p*ss-poor explanation of what's going on. The islands of stability actually occur where "shells" (distinct energy levels) are filled. As far as I can tell, this has squat to do with "contact between the protons"---a concept that I don't think has much meaning in the quantum mechanical world anyway.

[VadeRetro]

The islands of stability actually occur where "shells" (distinct energy levels) are filled.

Don't think that's it here. We're just trying to form a nucleus, not populate whatever the electron orbitals would be.

[Aracelis]

The islands of stability actually occur where "shells" (distinct energy levels) are filled. As far as I can tell, this has squat to do with "contact between the protons"---a concept that I don't think has much meaning in the quantum mechanical world anyway

Nuclear shell model...not electron valence properties. A concept which does indeed involve protons and quantum mechanics.

[PattonReincarnated]

I find this interesting, but I am no chemist. It sounds like you are talking about element like argon. Am I correct? If that is the case, how could elements with atomic number 114, 120 and/or 126 be an island of stability? Is there a difference between stability and inert? Sorry for the questions, just trying to piece together my high school chem from 25 years ago.