Sodium transmutation

TRANSMUTATION. The natural or artificial transformation of atoms of one element into atoms of a different element as the result of a nuclear reaction. The reaction may be one in which two nuclei interact, as in the formation of oxygen from nitrogen and helium nuclei (/3-particles), or one in which a nucleus reacts widi an elementary particle such as a neutron or proton. Thus, a sodium atom and a proton form a magnesium atom. Radioactive decay, e.g., of uranium, can be regarded as a type of transmutation. The first transmutation was performed bv the English physicist Rutherford in 1919. 

Transmutation of Copper into Sodium.—In their account of their researches on the action of the radium emanation on solutions of copper salts, Cameron and Ramsay2 state that sodium is probably a product of the action of the emanation on a solution of copper sulphate.3... 

The suggested possibility of transmuting copper into lithium and sodium has already been mentioned (pp. 55 and 87). 

Write the balanced nuclear equation for the induced transmutation of aluminum-27 into sodium-24 by neutron bombardment. An alpha particle is released in the reaction. 

Finally, in order to respond to issues raised during licensing it is necessary to have a well balanced assessment of the reactor concept using sodium coolant compared to other coolants and to review the basis for taking the earlier decisions in the light of the current changed priorities concerning plutonium production, minor actinide transmutation and inspectability. 

Feasibility studies have been performed to investigate the basic characteristics (transmutation rate, bumup reactivity, Doppler coefficient, sodium void reactivity, maximum linear heat rate, etc.) of a fast reactor core with MA transmutation, the following items were considered ... 

Mixtures containing phosphorus in various valency states are also obtained when sulphur or chlorine-containing compounds are transmuted according to Equations 13.216 and 13.217. Thus potassium sulphate or sodium chloride can give rise to various mixtures of phosphates, phosphites, hypophosphates and condensed phosphates. 

Rhases adopted the sulphur-mercury theory of metals, and also believed in the possibility of transmutation, but it is clear that he was a very knowledgeable practical chemist. He described the preparation of caustic alkalis by treating sodium or potassium carbonates (obtained by leaching ashes) with slaked lime. Our word alkali comes from the Arabic al-Quili, meaning calcined ashes. The caustic alkalis, along with acidic solutions such as vinegar, sour milk and lemon juice, were known as sharp waters, 2mA were widely used as solvents. Rhases drew up... 

The neutron spectrum of the Super FR is compared with those of LWRs and the sodium cooled fast reactor in Fig. 1.56. The blanket assemblies of the Super FR are equipped with zirconium hydride layer for the negative coolant void reactivity. The spectrum near the layer is similar to that of LWRs. Both fast and thermal neutron spectra are available in the Super FR. Availability of both will be suitable for the transmutation of long-lived fission products as well as minor actinides [95,96]. The improved core design for the high power density was reported [87]. 

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