Difference between Radioactive Decay and Transmutation
Key Difference: Radioactive Decay is the process by which an atomic nucleus emits elementary particles or fragments. This breakdown of the atomic nucleus results in release of energy as well as matter from the nucleus. Generally, transmutation refers to the act of change from one form to another. In context to nuclear transmutation, it may refer to radioactive process, nuclear fission or nuclear fusion where the form of element is changed from one to another.
Radioactive Decay is the process by which an atomic nucleus emits elementary particles or fragments. This breakdown of the atomic nucleus results in release of energy as well as matter from the nucleus. Generally, transmutation refers to the act of change from one form to another. In context to nuclear transmutation, it may refer to radioactive, nuclear fission or nuclear fusion where the form of element is changed from one to another.
Whenever the decay happens, the parent element’s nucleus changes to form a daughter element, which is different from the parent nucleus. It happens due the fact that number of protons change in the process of radioactive decay. These nuclei are referred to as radioactive which means that they are unstable and therefore go through the process of decay. Decays take place until a stable nucleus is formed.
Principles of conservation are applied during radioactive decay. These principles include conservation of energy, momentum, charge and nucleon number.
Transmutation generally refers to the act of change from one form to another. Transmutation occurs in the process of radioactive decay where it is achieved by both natural and artificial ways. Apart from occurring spontaneously by radioactive decay, transmutation may also be induced by a nuclear reaction like neutron capture. Nuclear transmutation can also be found in nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. In nuclear fission heavy elements split into lighter elements. In nuclear fusion lighter elements combine to form heavier one.
The term transmutation is used in many contexts. In biology, it refers to the process of transformation of one species into another. In Alchemy, it is the supposed conversion of base metals into some precious metals like gold and silver.
Therefore, the radioactive decay refers to the change in nucleus which takes place when an unstable nucleus tries to reach a stable form. In this process, energy and matter are released from nucleus. On the other hand, transmutation refers to the change in nucleus, especially referring to the change in form from one to another.
Comparison between Radioactive Decay and Transmutation:
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Radioactive Decay |
Transmutation |
Definition |
Radioactive Decay is the process by which an atomic nucleus emits elementary particles or fragments. It is a spontaneous transformation of one element into another. |
Generally, transmutation refers to the act of change from one form to another. In context to nuclear transmutation, it may refer to radioactive, nuclear fission or nuclear fusion where the form of element is changed from one to another. |
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Example |
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Conservation laws |
These principles include conservation of energy, momentum, charge and nucleon number.
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Two fundamental laws are always followed – mass number and electrical charge is conserved |
Images Courtesy: library.thinkquest.org, wikipedia.org
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