I want to know how to seperate an Atom. This is a question for my chemestry class and I cant seem to find any direct and understandable information on it. If you know of any means as to how to seperate an Atom, your answer would be much appriciated...thanks!
2007-10-02 05:55:36 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
The only answer that was close was the nuclear fission answer.
The definition of an atom is that it is not separable into any smaller quantity.
Nuclear fission is a way to break atoms apart into smaller pieces accompanied by a large release of energy. In order for fission to be self sustaining the splitting of the atoms has to release excess neutrons. The compounds used in nuclear energy do this (that's why they were chosen). The high speed neutrons collide with the nucleus of another atom and then it also splits. I wouldn't call it separating though...
Good luck!
2007-10-02 06:12:36 · answer #1 · answered by Rush is a band 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It would be impossible to tell you that you can separate an single atom out of a mass - it just is not possible they are too small, and we are too large. That is why we have these phenomenal numbers like Avogadro's number 6.023* 10^20 molecules/mole to describe quantities that make sense to us.
But, if you are asking how do we separate different atoms from each other then the answer is - we take advantage of the Earth gravity and the physical property of the element called density, which is the mass of the substance which displaces a unit volume.
The more mass that a substance requires to displace a unit volume determines how heavy it it. Very heavy object occupy less volume and light objects will occupy more volume.
So the denser the material becomes, the heavier it becomes, and the less volume it occupies. By applying heat and rotation in a centrifuge you can capture atoms that are lighter and heavier at different parts of the rotation.
This is so precise that it can even isolate isotopes of atoms.
2007-10-02 06:17:19 · answer #2 · answered by Dr Dave P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
through a process know as nuclear fission. That is when an atom is "shot" at another atom in a magnetic chamber. The results can either be devestating, such as an atom bomb, or electrifying, like at a nuclear power plant.
2007-10-02 06:05:26 · answer #3 · answered by johnny kevlar 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you cannot split an atom.... it was a tricky question.... because even if you powderized an object and make it to it's possible smallest form.... and blew the dust way.... it is still called an atom..... even if you burn a wood..... the smoke will still be an atom...... , the positive and negative energy of an atom is what makes it hold on to each other..... , and that's what i think.
2007-10-02 06:06:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
An atom smacher. You circulate another atom in a magnetic field, and smash the other one. Like holding a baseball in your hand. You twirl your arm in circles, then release to hit another baseball. The atom moves so fast, it splits the other, and energy is released.
2007-10-02 05:59:59 · answer #5 · answered by hmata3 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
u can separate atoms by chemical stuff, an electricity.
i am not sure thou
2007-10-02 06:07:03 · answer #6 · answered by nosa 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
a legal separation requires a court order
2007-10-02 05:58:36 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Grab either side of it and pull really REALLY hard ;)
2007-10-02 06:05:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋