How can an element be artificially transmuted? Give an example that has an element and what it is transmuted into
To artificially transmute an element, scientists use methods like nuclear reactions or particle bombardment to change the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This process alters the identity of the element, creating a new one.
One example of artificial transmutation is the conversion of uranium-238 into plutonium-239 through a process called neutron capture. When uranium-238 absorbs a neutron, it becomes uranium-239, which quickly undergoes beta decay, transforming into neptunium-239. Neptunium-239 then also undergoes beta decay to form plutonium-239. This transmutation reaction is crucial for the production of plutonium, which is used as fuel in certain types of nuclear reactors and in nuclear weapons.
Scientists can also transmute elements by bombarding target atoms with high-speed particles, such as ions or electrons. This method is commonly employed in particle accelerators. For instance, by bombarding a target of bismuth-209 with a beam of accelerated high-energy xenon-136 ions, scientists can create a new element, like livermorium-295. These particle bombardment techniques allow researchers to create and study elements that are not found naturally on Earth.