NUCLEAR TRANSMUTATION Meaning and
Definition
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Nuclear transmutation refers to a process in which the nucleus of an atom is altered, resulting in the transformation of one element into another or the conversion of isotopes within the same element. This phenomenon can be induced by artificial means through the use of nuclear reactors or particle accelerators, or it can occur naturally through radioactive decay.
The process of nuclear transmutation involves the alteration of the number of protons and/or neutrons within a nucleus, which affects the elemental identity of the atom. The change can occur when an atom captures or emits a particle, such as a proton, neutron, or alpha particle, leading to the formation of a new element with a different atomic number. For instance, the transmutation of uranium-238 into plutonium-239 involves the absorption of a neutron, a subsequent beta decay, and the creation of a plutonium atom.
Nuclear transmutation plays a crucial role in various scientific and practical applications. It is utilized in nuclear power plants to generate energy through the controlled fission reactions of elements like uranium and plutonium. Moreover, it is employed in nuclear medicine to produce isotopes that are used for diagnosis, treatment, and research purposes, such as the transmutation of molybdenum-98 into technetium-99m—a widely used medical isotope.
The study and understanding of nuclear transmutation are vital for advancing fields such as nuclear physics, chemistry, and engineering, as well as for promoting advancements in energy production, radioactive waste management, and medical applications related to radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging.
Etymology of NUCLEAR TRANSMUTATION
The word "nuclear" comes from the Latin word "nucleus", meaning "kernel" or "core". It started to be used in the late 19th century to refer to the central part or core of an atom. The word "transmutation" has its roots in Latin as well, derived from the words "trans" meaning "across" or "beyond", and "mutare" meaning "to change".
When combined, "nuclear transmutation" refers to the process of changing one element into another by altering the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. This term gained prominence in the early 20th century with the discovery of radioactivity and the understanding of nuclear reactions.
