When scientists split the atom did they just use any old atom or buy a special one?
2006-09-04 02:21:50 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It was actually my atom and I'm still waiting for the pieces to be returned. I am about to go legal.
2006-09-04 02:27:21 · answer #1 · answered by jude l 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A scientist don't often split a atom because splitting a atom causes a explosion the size of a nuclear bomb. When they do the create a special type of atom.
2006-09-04 13:22:31 · answer #2 · answered by Syphcis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They looked for ones whose nucleii were less stable, and therefore easier to split. Generally, the heavier the nucleus (the more protons and neutrons), the less stable the atom. They also wanted atoms which are found in some abundance naturally. The heaviest element abundant in nature is uranium.
As far as we can tell or measure, every atom of an isotope (like U-238) of uranium (or any other element) is identical. So one atom of U-238 isn't more special than any other.
2006-09-04 11:41:45 · answer #3 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The next one who says U-237 gets smacked. U-237 has a half life of 6.75 d, its a pain to create, and why anyone would want to use it is beyond me.
When we split atoms is a nuclear reactor we usually use U-235 as the fuel. Also isotopes such as Pu-239, Th 232/U-233, can be used as fuel. These are fuels that can be used to create chain reactions. As for research purposes practically any atom can be split, you just have to input enough energy.
2006-09-04 12:42:00 · answer #4 · answered by sparrowhawk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any Old Atom
2006-09-04 09:29:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reaction of fission is based on this splitting of the atom. The one used was Uranium.
VR
2006-09-04 09:38:47 · answer #6 · answered by sarayu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A special one I think it was Uranium 237 but it was a long time ago
2006-09-04 09:26:13 · answer #7 · answered by Maid Angela 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They bought one in black. Yes they did.
Atoms were very expensive in those days, and they did not want to make a fool of themselves in public. So they bought one in the black market and claimed to have always owned it.
2006-09-04 09:30:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask lord rutherford?......he split it.......dont think tescos does special atoms...mite like to try M&S...good luck...
2006-09-04 09:25:09 · answer #9 · answered by scottietiger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The just grabbed the nearest one to the grabbing device.
2006-09-04 09:24:16 · answer #10 · answered by xenobyte72 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋