High School How does one change the isotope of an element?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

To convert Palladium-102 into Palladium-103, two primary methods are discussed: using a cyclotron to bombard Palladium-102 with neutrons or utilizing Rhodium-103 and protons. Both methods are feasible, but the efficiency of each is debated. The discussion emphasizes the dangers associated with particle accelerators and radioactive materials, advising against amateur attempts without proper experience and equipment. Additionally, obtaining Palladium-103 legally requires regulatory documentation to ensure safe handling.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear reactions, specifically p,n reactions
  • Familiarity with particle accelerators, including cyclotrons and linear accelerators
  • Knowledge of radioactive isotopes and their half-lives
  • Experience with regulatory requirements for handling radioactive materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the operational principles of cyclotrons and their applications in isotope production
  • Learn about the safety protocols for working with radioactive materials
  • Investigate the regulatory framework for acquiring and handling isotopes like Palladium-103
  • Explore the efficiency of neutron flux in nuclear reactors for isotope conversion
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, nuclear physicists, and professionals in radiochemistry who are involved in isotope production and require a comprehensive understanding of the processes and regulations surrounding radioactive materials.

ScienceKid2005
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Sorry if this is the wrong subforum i am new here

How could one turn Palladium-102 into palladium-103? Would you take a cyclotron and hit it with neutrons? Or would you take Rhodium-103 and hit it with protons? The only reason I ask is because it has a half life of 17 days, and because of that nobody would sell it. I was going to use it in an experiment.

Also if it turns out to be hitting it with protons, would using a linear accelerator work?

Once again I'm new sorry if this is the wrong thread
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ScienceKid2005 said:
How could one turn Palladium-102 into palladium-103? Would you take a cyclotron and hit it with neutrons? Or would you take Rhodium-103 and hit it with protons?

I think either would work. I'm not sure which one is quicker or more efficient though.

ScienceKid2005 said:
. I was going to use it in an experiment.

If you're planning on making it yourself, don't even think about it. Particle accelerators have multiple hazards associated with them that make them extremely dangerous without the proper experience and equipment. And that's before you factor in the dangers of radioactive material.
 
ScienceKid2005 said:
Sorry if this is the wrong subforum i am new here

How could one turn Palladium-102 into palladium-103? Would you take a cyclotron and hit it with neutrons? Or would you take Rhodium-103 and hit it with protons? The only reason I ask is because it has a half life of 17 days, and because of that nobody would sell it. I was going to use it in an experiment.

Also if it turns out to be hitting it with protons, would using a linear accelerator work?
p,n reactions are possible, but I thought them unpleasantly inefficient. Yet they are used. I am not sure cyclotron is a good means for neutron flux, but turns out it is used.
If you applied, say, neutron flux of reactor...
Natural Pd isotopes:
102 - 1,02 % - 3,4 barns - result Pd 103, half-life 17 days
104 - 11,1 % - 0,6 barns - result Pd-105, stable
105 - 22,3 % - 20 barns - result Pd-106, stable
106 - 27,3 % - 0,3 barns - result Pd-107, 6,5 million years
108 - 26,5 % - 8,5 barns - result Pd-109, 13 hours
110 - 11,7 % - 0,23 barns - result Pd-111, 5,5 hours
 
Put palladium-102 in a nuclear reactor.

If you have the necessary experience and equipment to work with Pd-103 safely you will also have access to research reactors that can do it.
 
ScienceKid2005 said:
because of that nobody would sell it.

People do sell it. The issue is that people won't sell it to you. Unless you have documentation that you have demonstrated to the appropriate regulators that you can handle it safely, nobody will sell you any. Just like poisons or explosives, or for that matter particle accelerators or nuclear reactors.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
18K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
7K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K