Converting Helium back to Hydrogen?

[The Mak]

I am trying to find the reason why a helium atom cannot be turned back into a hydrogen atom.

We know in a star that through nucleosynthesis helium is formed from hydrogen and the process continues to form heavier elements. Is there a similar, but in reverse process where lighter elements are formed from heavier elements?

 

[DaveC426913]

Yes. It's called fission.

But it takes a lot of energy to separate helium into hydrogen.

 

[The Mak]

Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[Studiot]

You need to study the binding energy curve.

Basically atoms lighter than iron release energy in fusion and take in energy for fission

whilst

Basically atoms heavier than iron release energy in fission and take in energy for fusion

Here is a more complete answer

http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr162/lect/energy/bindingE.html

also look up the packing fraction curve.

 

[PJC01]

I can provide an explanation for why it is not possible to convert helium back into hydrogen. The reason lies in the fundamental structure and properties of atoms.

Helium and hydrogen are both elements, meaning they are made up of only one type of atom. However, they have different atomic structures. Helium has two protons and two neutrons in its nucleus, while hydrogen has only one proton. This difference in the number of particles in the nucleus is what gives each element its unique properties.

In order to convert helium back into hydrogen, we would need to somehow remove two protons and two neutrons from the helium atom. This process, known as nuclear transmutation, is extremely difficult and requires a tremendous amount of energy.

Additionally, the laws of thermodynamics state that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. This means that even if we were able to remove the particles from the helium atom, we would need to input a significant amount of energy to do so.

Furthermore, the formation of helium from hydrogen in stars occurs through a process called nuclear fusion, where smaller nuclei combine to form larger nuclei. The reverse process, known as nuclear fission, involves breaking apart larger nuclei into smaller ones. This process also requires a huge amount of energy and is not feasible for converting helium back into hydrogen.

In summary, the fundamental differences in the atomic structures of helium and hydrogen, the laws of thermodynamics, and the high energy requirements make it impossible to convert helium back into hydrogen. The formation of lighter elements from heavier elements, as seen in stars, occurs through nuclear fusion, not through reversing the process.