can you artificially putt atoms together to make molecules?

Question

if so i have a theory to colonize the moon

Answer 1

Certainly. It´s called chemistry and we do it all the time. Infact it is more natural for atoms to form molecules than not.

But I´m guessing you mean to put the nucleus of lighter elements together to form heavier. That is also possible but requires more than just a beaker. It can be done either in a fusion reactor, something that is only at an experimental stage right now, or via transmutation. Fusion is what powers the sun. Hydrogen atoms are slammed together to form Helium. The process yields alot of energy but requires alot of energy to get going. For Helium to fuse into heavier elements requires even more energy. Not even the sun can do it!

Transmutation is a different approach. Here you accelerate neutrons and slam them into a target element. Let´s say sodium (plentiful on the moon). Eventually a neutron will stick to the target nucleus forming a heavier isotope. In the case of sodium you get a radioactive isotope with a half life of 15 hours. Sodium 24 is a beta emitter meaning one of its neutrons decays into a proton and an electron while emitting a beta particle which is also an electron. Now you got stable magnesium 24 (also plentiful on the moon). Not heavier but higher up in the periodic chart. As you might expect this process also requires alot of energy and resources in the form of nuclear accelerators so don´t expect to be using it to get any significant amounts of any substance. How exactly do think this would help colonizing the moon?

Answer 2

Micro engineering can only go so far. As for putting atoms together to make an element or other elements, it is possible through fusion. Fusion such as thermal expansion, and heat induction. Example: The atomic bomb. Moon colonization is possible, not through putting atoms together but my terra forming the planet, supplying it with water, trees and other sources of a healthy eco system.

Answer 3

You can use compunds to create new compunds or even release single atoms by reacting them with other molecules.
Oxygen is automatically released during Photosynthesis.
C6H12O6 + 6O2 = 6CO2 + 6H2O. Another reaction is Oxidation-Reduction reactions; Mg + CuO = Cu + MgO.
Fe2O3 + 3Co = 2Fe + 3CO2. But, finding Oxygen and Hydrogen atoms laying around for you to attach them to each other is not likely to happen. Carbon is found in it's free form as diamonds. But, try pulling the carbon atoms appart.
Remember that even Copper,Silver and Iron Oxidise in the presents of Oxygem. which is everywhere under the Ozone layer.

Answer 4

Very easy. Mix sodium chloride and silver nitrate. Artificially atoms of sodium,chlorine,silver nitrogen and oxygen are broken down. Sodium nitrate and silver chloride are formed.
Now how to colonise moon ?

Answer 5

Can you tell us of your theory to colonize the moon?

Answer 6

Sure, if you have the resources to manipulate matter at that level. Most, if not all, of us don't have that kind of power.

May God bless you.

Answer 7

Yes, but you may well have to expend so much energy doing it, that it may not be worthwhile.

Answer 8

Ummm, isn't that called Chemistry?

Answer 9

Yes, scientists do it all the time. That's what nanoengineering is all about.

Answer 10

IDK, but if you put two consonants together it makes the vowel short. ex; put putt