Can Nuclear Decay Be Controlled?

In summary, it is not theoretically possible to stimulate a radioactive nucleus to decay on demand instead of randomly, and this method cannot be used to accelerate the decay of dangerous fission by-products. While there are some exceptions to this, they are rare and not relevant for nuclear waste. Transmutation is a potential solution for getting rid of waste, but it is not based on the radioactive decay of the waste. While trying different methods may be informative, it is impossible to try every possibility. Additionally, introducing entangled particles or visualizing the future of the entangled system would not initiate a change in the atom's state.
  • #1
Recycler
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Is it theoretically possible to stimulate a radioactive nucleus so that it decays on demand instead of randomly?Could this be used to accelerate decay of dangerous fission by-products?
 
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  • #2
No.

There are few exceptions: some nuclei can decay only if they don't have electrons around them (e. g. dysprosium-163) or do so much faster (e. g. Rhenium-187), and some need electrons around them to decay (e. g. rubidium-83), but those are rare exceptions, and none of them is relevant for nuclear waste.

Transmutation is a working method to get rid of some of the waste, but that is not based on the radioactive decay of the waste.
 
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  • #3
Your answer is 'no'. Is there some proof of this answer? Empirically, has everything been tried? It would actually be impossible to try everything.
 
  • #4
discountbrain said:
Your answer is 'no'.

That's not what he said. There are exceptions.
 
  • #5
Recycler said:
Is it theoretically possible to stimulate a radioactive nucleus so that it decays on demand instead of randomly?Could this be used to accelerate decay of dangerous fission by-products?
Fascinating question. I've wondered the same thing myself.
Thank you for asking.
 
  • #6
The easiest to understand exception is nuclei that decay via electron capture. Take away the electrons, and the decay stops. Put them back, and it speeds up again.
 
  • #7
mfb said:
No.

There are few exceptions: some nuclei can decay only if they don't have electrons around them (e. g. dysprosium-163) or do so much faster (e. g. Rhenium-187), and some need electrons around them to decay (e. g. rubidium-83), but those are rare exceptions, and none of them is relevant for nuclear waste.

Transmutation is a working method to get rid of some of the waste, but that is not based on the radioactive decay of the waste.
As an aside.we are seeing in this discussion,
mfb said:
No.

There are few exceptions: some nuclei can decay only if they don't have electrons around them (e. g. dysprosium-163) or do so much faster (e. g. Rhenium-187), and some need electrons around them to decay (e. g. rubidium-83), but those are rare exceptions, and none of them is relevant for nuclear waste.

Transmutation is a working method to get rid of some of the waste, but that is not based on the radioactive decay of the waste.
Thank you.discountbrain says we can't try everything.I agree,however if I knew exactly how,I would like to try introducing entangled particles into the radioactive atom.Could a state change at this point initiate a change in the atom's state?Trying the right things might be very informative.Visualizing the future of the entangled system has been mentioned recently in the literature.
 
  • #8
Recycler said:
Could a state change at this point initiate a change in the atom's state?
No. And this has nothing to do with entanglement.
 
  • #9
50v, he did answer 'no'. Clearly, we all know why it would be wonderful to discover how to speed up decay in nuclear waste.
 

What is nuclear decay stimulation?

Nuclear decay stimulation is a process in which a radioactive material is exposed to high-energy particles, such as protons or neutrons, in order to induce a nuclear reaction. This can result in the production of new elements or the release of energy.

Why is nuclear decay stimulation important?

Nuclear decay stimulation is important for both scientific research and practical applications. It allows scientists to study the properties of different elements and isotopes, as well as develop new materials and technologies that rely on nuclear reactions.

How is nuclear decay stimulation controlled?

Nuclear decay stimulation is controlled by adjusting the energy and intensity of the particles used to stimulate the radioactive material. This can be done using specialized equipment, such as particle accelerators, and precise calculations based on the properties of the material being stimulated.

What are the potential risks of nuclear decay stimulation?

There are several potential risks associated with nuclear decay stimulation, including the release of radiation and the possibility of a nuclear meltdown. However, these risks can be mitigated through strict safety protocols and regulations.

What are some real-world applications of nuclear decay stimulation?

Nuclear decay stimulation has a wide range of applications, including nuclear power generation, medical imaging and treatment, and materials science. It is also used in the production of nuclear weapons and as a tool for studying the origins of the universe.

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