How does an atom of one element convert into another through nuclear reactions?

Question

I am just begining to learn about Chemistry. I am interested to figure out radioactivity works, but need the dummies version of explination.

Answer 1

well, in terms of atoms converting to different elements, there is nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Fission is the splitting of an atom. This is basically achieved by blasting it with a neutron that essentially acts like a bullet (though it's not the kinetic energy of the neutron that splits the atom... it's that, once enough neutrons have joined with the nucleus through high-velocity collission, the nucleus becomes unstable and divides)

In fusion, two high-energy nuclei are fused together into one low-energy nuclei, and the energy difference is shed off as radiation and very high levels of kinetic energy, generating the nuclear reaction.

Hopefully that explains it fairly simply.

Answer 2

Since you have said that you are only beginning to learn about Chemistry, then I would suggest waiting until it is covered as part of your course. Once your chemistry course has covered atomic structure, you will have a better understanding of radioactive decay.

I'm not sure how much nuclear fusion and nuclear fission will be covered in your entry level courses.

Answer 3

"fission", the splitting of a nucleus into two "daughter" nuclei:

n + 235U -> 141Ba + 92Kr + 3n;

"fusion" of two "parent" nuclei into one daughter nucleus