Transmutations

Artificial Transmutation

Fission or Fusion

Transmutation

a change in the nucleus of an atom that converts the atom from one element to another element is called

beta particle

a high-speed electron with a 1- charge that is emitted during radioactive decay

Fission

a nuclear reaction in which a nucleus is broken apart

Fusion

a nuclear reaction in which two light nuclei combine to form a more massive nucleus

positron

a particle that has the same mass as an electron, but has a positive charge, and is emitted from the nucleus during some kinds of radioactive decay

Co-60

a radioisotope used in the treatment of cancer

C-14

a radioisotope used to determine the age of once-living things

U-238

a radioisotope used to determine the age of rocks

I-131

a radioisotope used to determine thyroid conditions

alpha particle

a type of nuclear radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons

gamma radiation

a type of nuclear radiation made of high-energy waves

the least penetrating type of radioactive particle

alpha particle

the most penetrating type of radioactive particle

gamma ray

Benefits of Fission

produces a lot of energy

Radioactive Decay

the process during which an element's nucleus spontaneously emits a particle

Chain Reaction

when the neutron produced by one fission reaction hits another nucleus to cause another fission reaction

Natural Transmutation

Radioactive Decay