Hi,
I know that copper can be turned to gold through nuclear reactions, but it only fomrs a radioactive/unstable isotope this way. This question is referring to alchemy being possible or not.
2007-10-04 08:21:06 · 6 answers · asked by J Money 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
There is no chemical mechanism available that can ever, under any circumstances, ever change the nucleus of an atom. All chemical reactions occur in the electron shell(s) of atoms.
The only way to change copper into gold would be to add fifty (50) protons to the nucleus. As you said, that means some kind of linear accelerator to smash another nucleus (perhaps tin) into the copper nucleus -- and that results in unstable gold isotopes.
Likewise, the only way to change lead into gold was to find some means of removing three protons from the lead nucleus -- not possible by ordinary chemical means -- only through nuclear reactions.
BTW -- I liked Jerry Lee's answer: collect enough pennies to purchase some gold dust or small nuggets. That would "change" your copper to gold.
2007-10-04 09:02:42 · answer #1 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Copper To Gold
2016-11-05 00:40:48 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Alchemy was a precedent for modern chemistry, but elements do not change without nuclear reactions.
2007-10-04 08:30:05 · answer #3 · answered by A Guy 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No. Matter transmutation does not produce any gold molecules stable enough to remain intact for more than a few seconds.
2007-10-04 08:31:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sure, you can take all of your pennies and buy some bullion. It's not alchemy but it would give you the same end result.
2007-10-04 08:28:13 · answer #5 · answered by that'sBS 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
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2014-11-27 16:53:24 · answer #6 · answered by Abu 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋