What equipment is used to do transmutation and how do they use it?

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    Equipment Transmutation
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the equipment and processes involved in the transmutation of elements, specifically focusing on the methods used to change one element into another through neutron activation and the associated costs of these processes.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants clarify that transmutation typically involves inserting a target material into a reactor for neutron activation.
  • There is a discussion about whether the process changes the number of protons in an atom, with some noting that adding neutrons can lead to beta decay and result in a different element.
  • One participant mentions that generating new nuclei is not expensive, but producing macroscopic amounts can be costly due to the need for separation of stable and radioactive isotopes.
  • Another participant emphasizes that while generating some new nuclei may not be expensive, the requirement for a reactor or particle accelerator makes the overall process not trivial or inexpensive.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the cost implications of transmutation, with some suggesting it is not expensive while others highlight the significant costs associated with the necessary equipment and processes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specifics of cost implications or the practicalities of transmutation processes, leaving some assumptions and definitions open to interpretation.

Karimspencer
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Is it expensive?
 
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Do you mean transmutation of one element into another? Typically this uses a target material which is inserted into a tube that moves the target into the middle of a reactor so it can be neutron activated.
 
Yes exactly. Does this process change the number of protons in the atom for it's known that the atomic number characterizes the element.
 
Yes, if you add one or more neutrons to a nucleus it might undergo beta decay and become a different element.
It is not expensive to generate "some" new nuclei, but it is expensive to produce macroscopic amounts. In addition, you usually get a composition of some stable and some radioactive isotopes. For a practical application, you might have to separate them, which is expensive, too.
 
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mfb said:
It is not expensive to generate "some" new nuclei,
To put "not expensive" in perspective here, you still need the reactor or particle accelerator. This is not a workroom table experiment.
 

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