Chapter 30, Problem 56A

To determine

To Define:

The term transmutation in nuclear physics with an example.

Answer to Problem 56A

A process that involves a change in the nucleus of an atom is defined as transmutation. For example, Uranium $-235$ decays to Uranium $-239$ .

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Rutherford was the first scientist who bombarded the atoms with alpha particles having a high speed of a given radioactive isotope (radium). He observed that protons resulted from performing such reactions.

Radioactive decay is a release of energy that is in the form of radiation by ionization. The radiation includes alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays.

Transmutation is the process of striking a single type of nuclei with the other nuclei or also with the neutrons.

A transmutation results in change even in the structure of the nucleus of an atom. Radioactive decay takes place like alpha decay and beta decay. Uranium $-235$ decays to Uranium $-239$ is an example of transmutation.

Conclusion:

Transmutation is the process in which there is a change of one element by another element with the help of a nuclear reaction that takes place from radioactive decay. Uranium $-235$ decays to Uranium $-239$ is an example of transmutation.