Converting Helium back to Hydrogen?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the impossibility of converting a helium atom back into a hydrogen atom, emphasizing that while helium is formed from hydrogen through nucleosynthesis in stars, reversing this process requires significant energy. The concept of fission is introduced as a reverse process, but it is clarified that atoms lighter than iron release energy during fusion and absorb energy during fission. Conversely, atoms heavier than iron release energy during fission and absorb energy during fusion. The binding energy curve and packing fraction curve are essential concepts for understanding these processes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nucleosynthesis in stars
  • Familiarity with nuclear fission and fusion processes
  • Knowledge of binding energy and its significance
  • Awareness of the packing fraction curve
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the binding energy curve in detail
  • Research the packing fraction curve and its implications
  • Explore the principles of nuclear fission and fusion
  • Investigate the energy requirements for nuclear reactions involving elements lighter and heavier than iron
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in nuclear chemistry and the processes of element formation in stars.

The Mak
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I am trying to find the reason why a helium atom cannot be turned back into a hydrogen atom.

We know in a star that through nucleosynthesis helium is formed from hydrogen and the process continues to form heavier elements. Is there a similar, but in reverse process where lighter elements are formed from heavier elements?
 
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Yes. It's called fission. :smile:

But it takes a lot of energy to separate helium into hydrogen.
 
Thanks for the quick reply.
 
You need to study the binding energy curve.

Basically atoms lighter than iron release energy in fusion and take in energy for fission

whilst

Basically atoms heavier than iron release energy in fission and take in energy for fusion

Here is a more complete answer

http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/energy/bindingE.html

also look up the packing fraction curve.
 

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