Creating gold from particles was possible

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating gold from particles, exploring the conditions required for such a process, and the implications of producing gold artificially. It touches on theoretical aspects, practical limitations, and the value associated with gold.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that creating gold from particles is theoretically possible but may require extreme conditions, such as high pressure, to overcome electromagnetic repulsion.
  • Others argue that while it is possible, current technology and materials science make it impractical for widespread use.
  • One participant notes that in nuclear reactors, transmutation occurs, but the outcomes are not predictable and depend on various factors.
  • A viewpoint is raised questioning the uniqueness of gold if it can be mass-produced, suggesting that its value is tied to its rarity.
  • Another participant mentions that while devices like calutrons can create gold, the process is expensive and primarily used for producing more valuable isotopes.
  • It is noted that the properties of gold contribute to its desirability, and that producing it artificially may not be cost-effective compared to traditional mining methods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement on the theoretical possibility of creating gold, but there is disagreement on the practicality and implications of such processes. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the feasibility and economic viability of producing gold artificially.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about the conditions required for transmutation, the economic factors influencing the production of gold, and the definitions of value and rarity in the context of artificially created elements.

Jarfi
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I have always just assumed that now creating gold from particles was possible, but can they really do it?

It must require a lot of pressure to get the protons close enough together for the strong force to finish the job, since the repulsive electromagnetic force.

Do they do this? than just add electrons, or are stars the only place with the conditions for this.
 
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I'm sure it is possible but with our current level of technology and understanding of materials science just impractical.
 


In a nuclear reactor, many elements are tansmuted into other elements. But this doesn't just happen 'to order'. Some products are much more likely to emerge than others.
 
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if we make gold out of something, then it is logical that we can make that gold into something or reverse the process.
Then what is so unique about that 'gold'. We love rare/unique items but not the mass produced items
 


Alchemy still goes on in devices called calutrons but it is such an expencive process that it is only used to produce isotopes more valuable than gold such as radioactive isotopes for medical imaging.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calutron
 


We 'love' gold because of its properties (non-corroding', colour etc and it history). We love it because it is rare and, hence, valuable. However, 'making' it from other elements would cost more than getting it through the usual processes.
 

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