Nuclear transmutation is the alteration of an atom's nucleus, changing its number of protons and creating a different element. It occurs naturally in radioactive decay, as with uranium turning into lead, and artificially in nuclear reactors through fission and fusion. This process is fundamental in nuclear chemistry, with applications in energy generation and new element synthesis.
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Nuclear transmutation is the process of changing the number of protons in an atom's nucleus to create a new element
Alchemists' pursuit of transmutation
Alchemists once sought to convert base metals into gold through transmutation
Scientific discovery by Rutherford and Soddy in 1901
In 1901, Rutherford and Soddy observed the natural transmutation of thorium into radium, leading to a better understanding of atomic structure
Transmutation can occur naturally through radioactive decay or artificially through deliberate bombardment of atomic nuclei
Natural transmutation is exemplified by radioactive decay, where unstable nuclei release energy and form new elements
Natural transmutation follows the conservation of charge, mass number, and energy-mass equivalence
Stellar nucleosynthesis in stars is a prime example of natural transmutation, where nuclear fusion creates heavier elements
Artificial transmutation is the deliberate process of changing atomic nuclei to create new elements
Artificial transmutation can be achieved through the bombardment of atomic nuclei with particles such as neutrons, protons, or alpha particles
Artificial transmutation has led to the synthesis of transuranic elements and has practical applications in energy generation and the creation of new elements
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The alteration of an atom's nucleus, leading to a new ______, is known as nuclear transmutation.
element
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Example of natural transmutation
Uranium-238 decaying into lead-206 over time through intermediate steps.
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Process of artificial transmutation
Bombarding atomic nuclei with particles like neutrons to induce change, used to create transuranic elements.
