transmutation

Examples of transmutation in the following topics:

• Particle Accelerator

  • Nuclear transmutation is the conversion of one chemical element or isotope into another.
  • In other words, atoms of one element can be changed into atoms of another element by transmutation.
  • The term transmutation dates back to alchemy.
  • Rutherford snapped back, "For Christ's sake, Soddy, don't call it transmutation.
  • Predicting the products of transmutation is like predicting the products of radioactive decay.

• Beta Decay

  • Since the proton and neutron are part of an atomic nucleus, beta decay processes result in transmutation of one chemical element into another.

• Historical Background

  • Just as the alchemists sought to transmute base metals into gold, early organic chemists were drawn to the isolation or preparation of rare dyes, exotic perfumes and unusual spices, often worth more than their weight in gold.

• Early Models of the Atom

  • Certain systematic features were recognized, but similarities between common and rare elements resulted in efforts to transmute them (lead into gold, in particular) for financial gain.

• The Atomic Bomb

  • Reactors were constructed at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Hanford, Washington, in which uranium was irradiated and transmuted into plutonium.

• Flemish Textiles of the Northern Renaissance

  • The prominent painter and tapestry designer Bernard van Orley (who trained in Italy) transmuted the Raphaelesque monumental figures to forge a new tapestry style that combined the Italian figural style and perspective rendition with the rich narrative and ornamental traditions of the Netherlands.