Proton Beam Elemental Transmutation

In summary, the conversation is about using a cyclotron to bombard a metal with high energy protons in order to potentially cause transmutation into a new element. The safety concerns and feasibility of this experiment are also discussed. Ultimately, the conversation is closed due to the potential danger involved.
  • #1
beatlemaniacj
49
0
I was reading about Earnest Lawrence and a question dawned onto me; Let's say you bombarded a metal, let's say iron or copper, with high energy protons coming from a cyclotron. The protons going from the "dees" into an accelerating vacuum tube with the specimen at the end. Would the proton beam make the item decay into another element? Would the decay/transmutation into be quick or take a long time, and would it make the item dangerously radioactive. (defining dangerous as giving off ALPHA radiation and relatively few Gamma Rays.) Would it instantly make it a new element? Please tell me, using the examples stated above. This is TOTALLY HYPOTHETICAL so moderators don't worry. :cool:
 
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  • #2
There is no general answer. It depends on the energy of the protons and the nature of the specific target.
 
  • #3
Lets say a 1.2 MeV cyclotron, 12 in. in diameter, firing protons at a piece of iron, or copper at the end of a vacuum. The desired result would be transmutation. If this would not happen adjust the cyclotron parameters as necessary. This is hypothetical.
 
  • #4
I believe this has already been demonstrated using a dueterium beam fired at a tritium target, resulting in nuclear fusion and creating Helium.
 
  • #5
Yes but that was 2 hydrogen nuclei ad created fusion. I'm looking to see if you could add a proton to a relatively heavy nuclei
 
  • #7
Thanks for the link but I'm actually building my own cyclotron (don't lecture me about safety I've taken care of that). At twelve inches in diameter its going to only produce energies from 1.2-1.5 MeV protons. But What would be a good target? I would hope to make one element into another. I really would like to avoid any radioactivity because of obvious reasons (i.e. i don't want to go through the licensing phase). I would probably prefer fusion, only because i can do it rather safely with krypton (which are heavier than iron nuclei, meaning they absorb the energy), by firing protons made my electrically "stripping" away the electrons from hydrogen, and injecting the ions through a three holed "chimney." Would this cause neutrons to be released? My theory is that, because of the neutral charge of the krypton atom, the pure protons would go into the nucleus and produce an isotope of rubidium (R36) or natural rubidium (R37) if one neutron is released.
 
  • #8
After some research i realized that rubidium is not a safe element to handle. WOuld bombarding krypton with protons produce rubidium DEFINITELY, or another element (its unlikely that only one proton will get in.) Please tell me.
 
  • #9
My main quesition is wether it will produce another element at all. were talking PURE Krypton, NOt KF2. (that would make krypton diflouride not a new element)
 
  • #10
Krypton is a gas and makes an absolutely terrible target due to it's low density. And you have no way to contain it without it getting into the vacuum portion of the machine.
Furthermore, it appears you don't really have any idea what you are doing, so I highly suggest not attempting this. Radiation WILL be produced in any kind of particle accelerator, especially one where you smash particles into other particles.
 
  • #11
I do know what I'm doing. If you see any safety things I've overlooked please alert me. But thanks for the advice. I figured that out after I posted this. And I realize the radiation from the accelerator itself I'm asking about the fusion. Remember a heavier nucleus than Iron absorbs energy so I know gamma won't be produced. Will neutron?
 
  • #12
beatlemaniacj said:
Remember a heavier nucleus than Iron absorbs energy so I know gamma won't be produced. Will neutron?

No, that is not true. If you force a proton to fuse into any nucleus it WILL release energy. Iron and Nickel simply have the most binding energy of any element. Heavier elements still have binding energy. Take an atom and find out it's rest mass. Then find the atom that has 1 more proton than the first and look at it's rest mass. It will be LESS than the first atom + a free proton.
 
  • #13
I know it will but it won't be catostrophic? That is my question. And your being unclear? What will be less? And just will it form a new element? Yes or no? Sorry for being sharp.
 
  • #14
beatlemaniacj said:
I know it will but it won't be catostrophic? That is my question. And your being unclear? What will be less? And just will it form a new element? Yes or no? Sorry for being sharp.

I have no idea what you are asking. Will what be catastrophic? Single nuclear reactions are never catastrophic and you can't hope you blow yourself or your equipment up with nuclear reactions in this matter, it's simply not possible. So again, you seem to have no idea what you are doing and PF rules don't allow us to help people put themselves in danger, so I don't think we can help you.
 
  • #15
Since this thread has turned into "what target should I use for my homemade accelerator" and since we do not permit discussions of dangerous activities, this thread is closed.
 

What is Proton Beam Elemental Transmutation?

Proton Beam Elemental Transmutation is a process that involves using a high-energy proton beam to change the nuclei of atoms, resulting in a different element being formed. This process is also known as nuclear transmutation.

How does Proton Beam Elemental Transmutation work?

The high-energy proton beam is directed at a target material, which contains atoms of the element to be transmuted. The protons collide with the nuclei of these atoms, causing them to split or fuse, resulting in the formation of a different element.

What are the potential applications of Proton Beam Elemental Transmutation?

Proton Beam Elemental Transmutation has a wide range of potential applications in various fields, including nuclear energy, materials science, and medicine. It can be used to produce new elements for research purposes, create new materials with specific properties, and even treat cancer by targeting and destroying tumor cells.

What are the safety precautions involved in Proton Beam Elemental Transmutation?

Handling high-energy proton beams requires specialized equipment and training. Safety precautions must be taken to protect against radiation exposure and ensure the proper handling and disposal of radioactive materials. Strict protocols and regulations are in place to mitigate any potential risks.

What are the limitations of Proton Beam Elemental Transmutation?

Proton Beam Elemental Transmutation is a complex and expensive process that requires advanced technology and expertise. It is also limited in its ability to produce elements beyond a certain atomic number, as the process becomes increasingly difficult and less efficient. Additionally, the production of radioactive waste is a major concern and must be carefully managed.

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