Nuclear Transmutation

Artificial Transmutations of Elements

A nucleus can also change identity if it is struck by a neutron or by another nucleus.
Nuclear reactions that are induced in this way are known as nuclear transmutations. The rules for balancing equations for nuclear reactions which were presented in the section on radioactivity still hold.
2

Artificial Transmutations of Elements

The first conversion of one nucleus into another was performed in 1919 by Ernest Rutherford.
14

N He + 2 7

17

H O + 1 8

Artificial Transmutations of Elements

Example

reactions are:

96 42

Mo H Tc n
2 1 97 43 1 0

Artificial Transmutations of Elements

96 42

Mo H Tc n
2 1 97 43 1 0

209 83

Bi He 3 n
4 2 1 0

210 85

At

Artificial Transmutations of Elements

96 42

Mo H Tc n
2 1 97 43 1 0

209 83 230 90

Bi He 3 n
4 2 1 0

210 85

At

Th H 3 n
1 1 1 0

Artificial Transmutations of Elements

96 42

Mo H Tc n
2 1 97 43 1 0

209 83 230 90
7

Bi He 3 n
4 2 1 0

210 85 228 91

At

Th H 3 n
1 1 1 0

Pa

Artificial Transmutations of Elements

200 80
200 80 6 3

Hg n Hg n, reaction
1 0 201 80 0 0

Hg n
1 0 1 0 3 1

Li n H He n, reaction
4 2

201 80

Hg n, reaction
0 0

Benefits of Radioactivity
Radiation and radioactive materials can be used by humans in a number of ways. Agriculture Environmental Measurements Eradication of Pest Food Generation of Electricity

Radiodating

Benefits of Radioactivity
Medical Diagnostics Oil Drilling Polymerization of Plastics Quality Control of Metal Parts Research Space Power Treatment of Cancers

Risks of Radioactivity
3/4ths of all exposure to radiation comes from background radiation.
Most of the remaining comes from medical irradiation such as X-rays. Radiation is capable of removing electrons from cells, forming ions; hence the term ionizing radiation.

Risks of Radioactivity
Molecules can also splinter into neutral fragments called free radicals. Free radicals can disrupt cellular processes.

Radiation often affects the fastest growing cells and tissues such as white blood cells and bone marrow.
Ionizing radiation call also disrupt DNA, causing mutations.

Radiation Damage to Cells

Exposure (rem) 5-10 50 55 70 75 Health Effect changes in blood chemistry nausea fatigue vomiting hair loss 2-3 weeks hours Time to Onset (without treatment)

90
100 400 1,000

diarrhea
hemorrhage possible death destruction of intestinal lining internal bleeding and death 1-2 weeks within 2 months

2,000

damage to central nervous system loss of consciousness; and death minutes hours to days

Radiation Damage to Cells