Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the possibility of creating gold from iron using particle accelerators and the conditions necessary for such transformations. It touches on theoretical aspects of nucleogenesis, the historical context of alchemy, and the practical applications of accelerators in nuclear physics.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant argues that gold could be obtained from iron through processes occurring in particle accelerators, citing conditions similar to those in supernovae.
- Another participant asserts that the synthetic creation of gold from iron is technologically impossible and will remain so for a long time.
- A participant references the transmutation of lead into gold by Glen Seaborg in 1980, suggesting that particle accelerators serve different purposes than nucleogenesis.
- One post mentions a specific nuclear reaction involving Hg-196 and neutrons to produce Au-197, implying a simpler method for gold creation.
- A later reply expresses curiosity about the cross section for neutron capture of Hg-196, indicating an interest in the technical details of the reaction.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the feasibility of creating gold from iron and the role of particle accelerators in such processes. No consensus is reached regarding the technological possibilities or the implications of historical alchemical practices.
Contextual Notes
There are unresolved assumptions regarding the technological capabilities of current particle accelerators and the specific conditions required for nucleogenesis. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of historical transmutation events.