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Suppose $G$ is a simple (linear) algebraic group over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero, that $n$ is a positive natural number, and that $g\in G$. Can we always find an $h\in G$ such that $h^n=g$?

(It appears to be possible to check this for the classical algebraic groups by direct computations in each case, but covering the exceptional Lie Algebras this way seems like it might be tricky, and anyhow, I'm inclined to think that a case analysis is probably not the optimal way of approaching this problem!)

Note added: Kovalev made a comment showing that the answer is `no' in general. The counterexamples appear to revolve around non-semisimple elements. I wonder whether the answer becomes positive if one restricts oneself to $g$ of finite order?

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# Taking roots in simple linear algebraic groups

Suppose $G$ is a simple (linear) algebraic group over an algebraically closed field of characteristic zero, that $n$ is a positive natural number, and that $g\in G$. Can we always find an $h\in G$ such that $h^n=g$?

(It appears to be possible to check this for the classical algebraic groups by direct computations in each case, but covering the exceptional Lie Algebras this way seems like it might be tricky, and anyhow, I'm inclined to think that a case analysis is probably not the optimal way of approaching this problem!)