Rutherford's Nuclear Transmutation

14N + 4He → 17O + 1H

Overview

In 1919, Ernest Rutherford achieved the first artificial nuclear transmutation by bombarding nitrogen-14 with alpha particles to produce oxygen-17 and a proton. This proved that elements could be transformed into other elements, realizing the ancient alchemists' dream of transmutation.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Nitrogen N 1 (g)
Reactant Helium He 1 (g)
Product Oxygen O 1 (g)
Product Hydrogen H 1 (g)

Everyday Example

Rutherford's experiment proved the alchemists' dream of transforming one element into another was possible, though not in the way they imagined.

Industrial Importance

This discovery opened the field of nuclear physics, leading to nuclear energy, nuclear medicine, and particle accelerator science.

Properties

Type
Nuclear
Reversible
No
Energy
Endothermic
ΔH
120000000.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Alpha Decay of Uranium-238 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Carbon-14 Beta Decay of Cesium-137 Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Beta Decay of Iodine-131

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Rutherford's Nuclear Transmutation?
The balanced equation is: ¹⁴N + ⁴He → ¹⁷O + ¹H.
What type of reaction is Rutherford's Nuclear Transmutation?
Rutherford's Nuclear Transmutation is a nuclear reaction.
Is Rutherford's Nuclear Transmutation exothermic or endothermic?
Rutherford's Nuclear Transmutation is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 120000000.0 kJ/mol.