Nuclear Transmutation Concepts

The video explores nuclear transformation, a process where one element is changed into another by altering the number of protons in its nucleus. Historically, alchemists attempted to transform elements like lead into gold. The video explains nuclear transmutation, using examples of alpha particle bombardment on nitrogen and aluminum, resulting in new elements like oxygen and phosphorus. It also discusses the challenges of using alpha particles due to their positive charge and highlights the advantages of neutron bombardment, which is easier due to the lack of charge. The video concludes with examples of nuclear equations and the use of particle accelerators.

What is the process called when one element is transformed into another by altering the number of protons in its nucleus?

• Nuclear fusion

• Radioactive decay

• Nuclear transformation

• Nuclear fission

Which group of elements is created through nuclear transmutation in the lab and has atomic numbers above 92?

• Alkali metals

• Halogens

• Transuranium elements

• Noble gases

What is the term for elements that cannot be found naturally and are created in labs?

• Radioactive elements

• Natural elements

• Stable elements

• Synthetic elements

In the example of nuclear transmutation involving nitrogen, what new element is formed?

• Neon

• Helium

• Oxygen

• Carbon

What is the term used to describe the act of slamming particles into an atom's nucleus?

• Colliding

• Bombarding

• Fragmenting

• Fusing

When aluminum is bombarded with alpha particles, which new element is produced?

• Chlorine

• Sulfur

• Phosphorus

• Silicon

What is the atomic number of phosphorus, the element produced from aluminum bombardment?

• 15

• 14

• 16

• 13

Why is it easier to use neutrons for bombardment compared to alpha particles?

• Neutrons are smaller

• Neutrons are faster

• Neutrons are more abundant

• Neutrons have no charge

In the neutron bombardment example, what is the mystery particle added to lithium to produce hydrogen and an alpha particle?

• Photon

• Neutron

• Electron

• Proton

What is the main challenge when using alpha particles for nuclear transformation?

• They are unstable

• They have a positive charge

• They are too small

• They are too slow