Nuclear Transmutations

Nuclear Transmutations

Conversion of one element into another by nuclear reaction.

1. Radioactive decay

2. Use of Particle Accelerator

Two types of Nuclear Transmutations

Particle Accelerator

A machine that moves atomic nuclei at higher and higher speeds until they crash into one another, sometimes forming heavier elements.

Smash atoms or particles together to incude nuclear transmutations

Electrostatic Field

Oscillating Field

Two types of Particle Accelerator

Electrostatic FIeld

Propel charged particles to high speeds and contain them in well defined hums.

Oscillating Fields

Radio frequency to circumvent the breakdown problem

Tetatron

Particle Accelerator in IIlinois USA

Nuclear Fission

A nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy.

Takes place when a large somewhat unstable isotope is bombared by high speed particles. Usually neutrons.

Neutrons released strike other nuclei causing their decay and production of more neutrons

Critical Mass

The minimum mass of a fissionable isotope that provides the number of neutrons needed to sustain a chain reaction.

Nuclear Fusion

A nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei of low atomic number fuse to form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy.

Two low mass isotopes unite under extreme preassure and temperature

Powers the sun

Artificial sources (18%)

Consumer products such as radiowaves, microwaves, xrays, nuclear medium, artificial and nuclear wastes

Naturat sources (82%)

Infrared, ultraviolet, visisble radiation, radiation from natural materials ( such as rocks and soil )

Nuclear Power Plant

A type of nuclear technology involving the controlled use of nuclear fission to release energy for work including propulsion, heat, and the generation of electricity.

Nuclear Medicine

The branch of medicine that deals with the use of radioactive substances in research, diagnosis, and treatment.

Iodine-131

Used to detect disorders of the thyroid gland, because it is absorved by the thyroid gland and has a half life of 8 days

Cobalt-60

Used to treat cancer

Strontium-89 and Samarium-153

Treat some types of secondary bone cancer. Can reduce pain

Americium-241

Radioisotope used in smoke detectors

Solar Radiation

Transmission of energy from the sun in the form of electromagnetic waves.

Cosmic Radiation

Radiation that comes from the sun and beyond the solar system.

Mineral Ores

Uranium and Radium

Banana

Radioactive foodstuff

Brazil nut

Highest concentration of radioactove elements

DNA

Potassium and carbon in the ______ of biological things