How are isotopes of elements formed?

Question

Avery Adams · Accepted Answer

Scientists create certain isotopes in nuclear reactors, while other isotopes arise naturally.

During the first Big Bang, the elements H, He, and trace amounts of Li formed.

All of the heavier elements were created by nuclear fusion reactions in stars.

The star collapses when the H vanishes and He is "ignited" to form Be and C. Initially, H fuses to form He.

These reactors contain large amounts of free neutrons, which the nuclei absorb in order to self-stabilize.

All other elements, including uranium, have formed through this process in stars.

Our solar system condensed from the remnants of one of these supernova explosions. In the final stage, Fe forms by direct fusion of Si and other light elements. This reaction is fast and explosive.

With an accelerator, scientists can create even heavier elements, or "trans-uranium," where two ions move at high speeds in opposite directions and fuse when they come into contact.

#""_92^238U + _7^14N → _99^248Es + 4 _0^1n#

In a nuclear reactor, other elements are created through neutron bombardment. For instance,

#""_94^239Pu + 2 _0^1n → _95^241Am + _-1^0e#

Serenity Allen · Answer

undefined Elemental isotopes are created by changes in the amount of neutrons in an atom's nucleus, which can happen spontaneously through radioactive decay or as a consequence of nuclear reactions.