Accelerators and fusion of elements

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of creating gold from iron using particle accelerators. One person argues that this is possible, given that accelerators can recreate conditions similar to those of a supernova. However, another member believes that this is technologically impossible and that the purpose of accelerators is not nucleogenesis, but rather to study the internal structure of particles. The conversation also mentions previous attempts at alchemy and the potential for using accelerators to generate fusion.
  • #1
Raynor
2
0
Hi. On a general discussion forum, we were debating wether gold could be obtained from iron; I argued that this is possible, since we are at the moment recreating, in accelerators, even harsher conditions that those necessary for the creation of gold (i.e. those of a supernova core collapse). A fellow member made the following statement:
Quote:
I think that "syntetical" creation of iron or gold as well as the transformation of iron into gold is technologically impossible and will remain so for a very, very, very long time.

What scientists actually do in those accelerators (e.g. at Stanford) when they refer to "conditions similar to the big-bang" is that they destroy two particles, originally an electron and a positron by accelerating them and have them collide and annihilate each other. The resulting "energy-plasma" is considered to be similar to that shortly after the big-bang...
Is he correct? Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Hg-196 + neutron > Au-197
Alchemists of old just needed a simple neutron. Cheers, Jim
 
  • #3
Glen Seaborg transmuted Lead into Gold in 1980. The purpose of particle accelerators is not nucleogenesis, but rather examining the internal structure of smaller things, like individual protons, neutrons, quarks, and the like.
 
  • #5
NEOclassic said:
Hg-196 + neutron > Au-197
Alchemists of old just needed a simple neutron. Cheers, Jim

Huh, nifty. I wonder what the cross section for neutron capture of Hg 196 would be?
 
  • #6
Thanks a lot guys! You have been very helpfull.
 

1. What is an accelerator?

An accelerator is a machine that uses electric fields to speed up charged particles, such as protons or electrons, to very high energies. These particles are then directed towards a target to create collisions and produce new particles or radiation.

2. How do accelerators work?

Accelerators use electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles. The particles are injected into the accelerator and are guided by these fields in a circular or linear path, gaining energy with each pass. The particles can reach speeds close to the speed of light, allowing them to collide with other particles or nuclei with incredible force.

3. What is fusion of elements?

Fusion of elements is the process of combining two or more atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. This process releases a large amount of energy, as the mass of the new nucleus is slightly less than the combined mass of the original nuclei. Fusion is the process that powers the sun and other stars.

4. What is the goal of using accelerators in fusion research?

The goal of using accelerators in fusion research is to create the extreme conditions necessary for fusion reactions to occur on Earth. By accelerating particles to high energies and colliding them with a target, scientists hope to achieve temperatures and pressures similar to those found in the core of the sun, where fusion reactions naturally occur.

5. What are the potential benefits of fusion energy?

Fusion energy has the potential to provide a nearly limitless source of clean and sustainable energy. The fuel for fusion reactions, such as hydrogen isotopes, is abundant and can be extracted from seawater. Fusion reactions also produce minimal radioactive waste and do not emit greenhouse gases or contribute to climate change.

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