Chapter 20: Problem 36
What is the difference between radioactive decay and nuclear transmutation?
Short Answer
Expert verified
Radioactive decay is spontaneous, while nuclear transmutation includes both spontaneous and induced element changes.
Step by step solution
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Nuclear Transmutation
Nuclear transmutation is the fascinating process through which one chemical element or isotope is transformed into another. This can happen in two ways: naturally or artificially. Natural transmutation involves spontaneous reactions, such as radioactive decay, where elements change on their own. For instance, uranium-238 can decay naturally to form thorium-234.
Artificial transmutation, on the other hand, is a human-induced process that usually takes place in laboratories or nuclear reactors. Scientists can use techniques like neutron capture or bombard elements with particles to achieve this change. These induced reactions allow for the creation of elements not typically found in nature or the enhancement of certain isotopes for various scientific applications. Whether natural or artificial, the key here is the conversion between different elements or isotopes, making nuclear transmutation a cornerstone of nuclear chemistry and physics.
Artificial transmutation, on the other hand, is a human-induced process that usually takes place in laboratories or nuclear reactors. Scientists can use techniques like neutron capture or bombard elements with particles to achieve this change. These induced reactions allow for the creation of elements not typically found in nature or the enhancement of certain isotopes for various scientific applications. Whether natural or artificial, the key here is the conversion between different elements or isotopes, making nuclear transmutation a cornerstone of nuclear chemistry and physics.
Alpha Particles
Alpha particles are a type of ionizing radiation ejected by the nuclei of some radioactive elements during the decay process. They consist of two protons and two neutrons, which makes them identical to helium nuclei. This gives alpha particles a relatively large mass compared to other types of radioactive emissions.
When a nucleus emits an alpha particle, it results in the formation of a new element with an atomic number reduced by 2 and a mass number reduced by 4. An example of this is when radium-226 decays to form radon-222. Though alpha particles have low penetration power and can be stopped by something as thin as a sheet of paper, their high mass and charge mean they can cause substantial damage to materials or cells if ingested or inhaled.
When a nucleus emits an alpha particle, it results in the formation of a new element with an atomic number reduced by 2 and a mass number reduced by 4. An example of this is when radium-226 decays to form radon-222. Though alpha particles have low penetration power and can be stopped by something as thin as a sheet of paper, their high mass and charge mean they can cause substantial damage to materials or cells if ingested or inhaled.
Beta Particles
Beta particles are another common form of radiation emitted during radioactive decay. Unlike alpha particles, beta particles are much lighter and can be either electrons or positrons. When a nucleus emits a beta particle, it undergoes a transformation altering its atomic number, which changes the element.
In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus turns into a proton (or vice versa), emitting a beta particle and an antineutrino (or neutrino). For example, carbon-14 decays into nitrogen-14 through beta decay, producing an electron in the process. Beta particles have moderate penetration ability and can pass through paper but are typically stopped by layers like aluminum or plastic. They pose significant risks when they interact with living tissues, potentially damaging DNA and causing mutations.
In beta decay, a neutron in the nucleus turns into a proton (or vice versa), emitting a beta particle and an antineutrino (or neutrino). For example, carbon-14 decays into nitrogen-14 through beta decay, producing an electron in the process. Beta particles have moderate penetration ability and can pass through paper but are typically stopped by layers like aluminum or plastic. They pose significant risks when they interact with living tissues, potentially damaging DNA and causing mutations.
Gamma Rays
Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation arising from the radioactive decay of atomic nuclei. Unlike alpha and beta particles, gamma rays are not particles themselves but are high-energy photons. Consequently, gamma rays have no mass or charge, which allows them to possess significant penetration power.
They often accompany alpha or beta decay, as the newly formed nucleus releases excess energy in the form of gamma radiation. These rays are capable of passing through human tissue and thick materials like concrete or lead. Due to their high-energy nature, gamma rays are used in various fields, from medical imaging and cancer treatment to testing the integrity of structural materials. However, this penetration ability also makes them particularly hazardous and requires careful control and shielding to protect living organisms from potential harm.
They often accompany alpha or beta decay, as the newly formed nucleus releases excess energy in the form of gamma radiation. These rays are capable of passing through human tissue and thick materials like concrete or lead. Due to their high-energy nature, gamma rays are used in various fields, from medical imaging and cancer treatment to testing the integrity of structural materials. However, this penetration ability also makes them particularly hazardous and requires careful control and shielding to protect living organisms from potential harm.
