Atoms: Destruction & Transformation

[quantumgenius]

Where do atoms go after they have been destroyed for use of the atom bomb, or anything else that destroys atoms. Does the things that make up an atom disaper or form another atom.
thanks,
quantumgenius

 

[mathman]

The nucleus of an Uranium atom in an atomic bomb breaks up into several parts, two lighter nuclei plus some left over neutrons. All the particles that make up the original nucleus (protons and neutrons) survive as parts of the residual parts. The electrons from the original atom get blown off, but they also survive.

 

[pmb_phy]

The nucleus of an Uranium atom in an atomic bomb breaks up into several parts, two lighter nuclei plus some left over neutrons. All the particles that make up the original nucleus (protons and neutrons) survive as parts of the residual parts. The electrons from the original atom get blown off, but they also survive.

Note: Free neutrons decay after about 15 minutes of proper time.

Pete

 

[mathman]

The neutrons decay as well as the other fission products. However, baryon number (protons + neutrons) stays the same.