Question

How is nuclear transmutation achieved in practice?

Short answer

Nuclear transmutation can be achieved through natural radioactive decay, reactions in stars, or artificially in nuclear reactors or particle accelerators. In each case, a nucleus is changed into a different nucleus via a nuclear reaction.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Nuclear Transmutation

Nuclear transmutation is the process where one type of nucleus is changed into a different nucleus as a result of a nuclear reaction. In practice, there are several ways this can occur: via natural radioactive decay, during reactions in stars, or artificially in nuclear reactors or particle accelerators.

Explaining Radioactive Decay

One method of nuclear transmutation is through natural radioactive decay, where unstable atoms lose energy by emitting radiation. This changes the number of protons in the nucleus, thereby changing its atomic number and transmutating it into a different element.

Explaining Reactions in Stars

Nuclear transmutation also happens during reactions in stars. This is how most elements heavier than helium are created. The high temperatures and pressures in the cores of stars allow nuclear fusion reactions to occur, which combine smaller nuclei into larger ones.

Explaining Artificial Transmutation

Artificial nuclear transmutation occurs in nuclear reactors and particle accelerators. In nuclear reactors, isotopes are bombarded with neutrons to cause nuclear reactions, while particle accelerators use high-speed projectiles to collide with target nuclei.