Question

What does a nuclear transformation represent? How is a nuclear transformation performed?

Short answer

A nuclear transformation represents the process in which an atom's nucleus changes its composition by altering its number of protons or neutrons, resulting in a new element or a different isotope. Nuclear transformations can occur through radioactive decay (a spontaneous process), nuclear fission (initiated by the absorption of a neutron), or nuclear fusion (requires high temperatures and pressures to combine light nuclei). These transformations can happen naturally or be induced artificially, such as in nuclear reactors or experimental fusion facilities.

Step-by-step solution

1. Definition of Nuclear Transformation

A nuclear transformation is the process in which the nucleus of an atom changes its composition by altering its number of protons or neutrons. This can result in the formation of a new element (known as transmutation) or a different isotope of the same element. Nuclear transformations are often accompanied by the emission of energy in the form of radiation or particles.

2. Types of Nuclear Transformations

There are various types of nuclear transformations, including: a. Radioactive Decay: This process occurs spontaneously in unstable isotopes, where the nucleus emits particles such as alpha, beta, and gamma radiation to achieve a stable configuration. b. Nuclear Fission: This occurs when a heavy nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, usually triggered by the absorption of a neutron. This releases a large amount of energy, along with neutrons that can initiate a chain reaction and cause further fission events. c. Nuclear Fusion: In nuclear fusion, two light nuclei come together and combine to form a heavier nucleus, accompanied by the release of a significant amount of energy.

3. Performing Nuclear Transformations

Nuclear transformations can be induced naturally or artificially through various methods, such as: a. For radioactive decay, the transformation happens spontaneously, and no external intervention is required to initiate the process. b. In nuclear fission, the process can be started by bombarding heavy nuclei with neutrons. For example, in nuclear reactors, uranium-235 isotopes are bombarded with slow-moving neutrons, initiating the fission process. c. Nuclear fusion requires extremely high temperatures and pressures to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between the positively charged nuclei. In the Sun, fusion occurs due to the immense pressure and temperature at its core. Scientists are also trying to achieve controlled fusion in experimental facilities like tokamaks, using magnetic confinement to create the required conditions. In summary, a nuclear transformation represents the change in the composition of an atom's nucleus, and it can be performed through processes such as radioactive decay, nuclear fission, and nuclear fusion.