There aren't any gaps in the periodic table i.e. elements yet to be discovered that have less protons than ununoctium- but how do we know that?
Elements are distinguished by their numbers of protons so I guess what I'm asking is, essentially, whether it would be possible to have 'fractional' protons if that makes sense.
I know protons are each composed of three quarks and could possibly decay but I don't know much particle physics beyond that. Not sure if this is a dumb question but thank you for your help!