What is the Difference Between Radioactivity and Transmutation?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between radioactivity and transmutation lies in the processes involved and the outcomes. Here are the key differences:
- Process: Radioactivity refers to the natural decay of unstable atomic nuclei, which involves the spontaneous emission of radiation. In contrast, transmutation is the alteration process of the nucleus of particular atoms, changing the substance from one element to another. It can be induced artificially through processes such as neutron capture or occur spontaneously by radioactive decay.
- Outcome: Radioactivity leads to the emission of radiation and the spontaneous decay of an unstable isotope. Transmutation, on the other hand, results in the conversion of one chemical element into another.
Both radioactivity and transmutation involve changes within the atomic nucleus. While radioactivity is a type of transmutation process, not all transmutation processes involve radioactivity.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Radioactivity and Transmutation? Comparative Table: Radioactivity vs Transmutation
Comparative Table: Radioactivity vs Transmutation
Here is a table comparing the differences between radioactivity and transmutation:
Property | Radioactivity | Transmutation |
---|---|---|
Definition | Radioactivity refers to the spontaneous nuclear transformation of unstable elements, resulting in the release of energy and radiation. | Transmutation refers to the change of one chemical element into another via either natural or artificial processes. |
Occurrence | Radioactivity is a natural process that occurs spontaneously in radioactive isotopes. | Transmutation through radioactive decay is a natural process, while transmutation through nuclear reactions can be induced artificially. |
Nuclear Changes | Radioactivity involves the decay of unstable atomic nuclei, leading to the release of energy and radiation. | Transmutation involves changes in the structure of atomic nuclei, which can result in the formation of new elements. |
Examples | Radioactive decay of uranium is an example of radioactivity, where the atom undergoes a spontaneous nuclear reaction, emitting an alpha particle and forming thorium. | Natural transmutation, such as the conversion of nitrogen into carbon-14 through cosmic ray bombardment, is an example of transmutation. |
Read more:
- Radioactivity vs Radiation
- Transformation vs Transmutation
- Transuranic Elements vs Radioisotopes
- Radioisotope vs Isotope
- Natural vs Artificial Transmutation
- Natural vs Artificial Radioactivity
- Radioactive Contamination vs Irradiation
- Stable Isotopes vs Radioisotopes
- Emission vs Radiation
- Transformation vs Transduction
- Radiation vs Irradiation
- Transfection vs Transduction
- Transformation vs Transfection
- Radiation vs Electromagnetic Radiation
- Fission vs Fusion
- Nuclear Fusion vs Fission
- Transition vs Transversion
- Radon vs Radium
- Chemo vs Radiation