Which phrase describes transmutation?
the conversion of protons to neutrons through nuclear changes the conversion of protons to neutrons through nuclear changes the conversion of energy to matter through chemical changes the conversion of energy to matter through chemical changes the conversion of one substance to another through chemical changes the conversion of one substance to another through chemical changes the conversion of an atom of one element into a different element through nuclear changes
the conversion of an atom of one element into a different element through nuclear changes
The phrase that describes transmutation is "the conversion of an atom of one element into a different element through nuclear changes."
The phrase that describes transmutation is "the conversion of an atom of one element into a different element through nuclear changes."
To understand this, we need to break down the phrase:
1. Transmutation: This refers to the process of changing one element into another.
2. Conversion: This means transforming something from one form or state to another.
3. Atom: It is the smallest unit of a chemical element.
4. Element: It is a substance made up of atoms with the same number of protons in their atomic nuclei.
Now, let's talk about the "nuclear changes" mentioned in the phrase. Nuclear changes involve altering the nucleus of an atom, which contains protons and neutrons. In transmutation, the number of protons within an atom changes, causing it to become a different element. This can occur through processes like radioactive decay, fusion, or fission.
To summarize, transmutation refers to the conversion of an atom of one element into a different element through nuclear changes, where the number of protons in the atomic nucleus is modified.