Making stable element unstable

In summary, it is possible to make stable elements unstable (radioactive) by promoting them to excited states above their decay threshold. This can be achieved through various methods, such as providing energy through electromagnetic radiation or incoming particles. The discovery of this process earned Irene Curie and F. Joliot a Nobel Prize in 1935 and led to the creation of atomic reactors.
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Brainiac
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A simple answer I got searching the web to as why we can't split atoms of non-radioactive elements is that they are stable.So,why can't we make stable elements unstable(radioactive)? Is this possible at least in theory?
 
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  • #2
If we excite them to states above their decay threshold, sure. We do this all the time.

ETA: That was a bit terse. Sorry. The reason nuclei decay is because it is energetically favourable for them to do so - the product is more stable. Like atoms, nuclei have excited states, governed by quantum mechanics. If you promote the nucleus from the ground to excited states through a reaction, there will be a point after which it becomes unstable to decay.

An example is 6Li (chosen because I have the level scheme open, no particular reason). The ground state is stable, but if you promote it to the first excited state at 2.186 MeV, it is unstable to alpha emission, and will turn into 4He + d.
 
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  • #3
To change anything, you have to influence the nuclei somehow. Give them energy in form of electromagnetic radiation or incoming particles is an effective method, but this either directly leads to a nuclear process (then it is not called a decay) or the nucleus gets changed permanently (then something else might decay later).
 
  • #4
Brainiac said:
A simple answer I got searching the web to as why we can't split atoms of non-radioactive elements is that they are stable.So,why can't we make stable elements unstable(radioactive)? Is this possible at least in theory?

Not only is it possible in theory to make elements radioactive, the discovery of this process earned Irene Curie and F. Joliot a Nobel Prize in 1935:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induced_radioactivity

It also led to the creation of the first atomic reactors soon afterward.
 

Related to Making stable element unstable

1. How can an element be made unstable?

An element can be made unstable through a process called radioactive decay, in which the nucleus of an atom releases energy in the form of radiation. This causes the atom to become more unstable and eventually transform into a different element.

2. What factors can contribute to making an element unstable?

The number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom can greatly affect its stability. Elements with a high number of protons or neutrons are more likely to undergo radioactive decay, making them less stable. Additionally, the arrangement of protons and neutrons within the nucleus can also impact an element's stability.

3. Can stable elements be artificially made unstable?

Yes, stable elements can be artificially made unstable through a process called nuclear transmutation. This involves changing the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus through nuclear reactions, resulting in a different, more unstable element.

4. What are some practical applications of making stable elements unstable?

The process of making stable elements unstable has many practical applications, such as in nuclear power plants, where radioactive decay is used to generate energy. It is also used in medical treatments, such as radiation therapy for cancer, and in scientific research to study the properties and behavior of unstable elements.

5. Are there any risks associated with making stable elements unstable?

Yes, there are some risks associated with making stable elements unstable, as the process can release harmful radiation. However, these risks can be minimized through proper safety protocols and containment measures. Additionally, the benefits and applications of unstable elements often outweigh the potential risks.

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