i. Nuclear transmutation :
It involves transformation of a stable nucleus into another nucleus takes place which can be either stable or unstable.
ii. Artificial (induced) radioactivity :
It is nuclear transmutation where the product nucleus is radioactive. The product nucleus decays spontaneously with emission of radiation and particles.
e.g,
Step I :
\(_5^{10}B\) + \(_2^4 He\) → \(_7^{13}N\) + \(_0^1n\),
Stable Radioactive
Step II :
\(_7^{13}N\) → \(_6^{13}C\) + \(_0^1e\)
Radioactive
(Spontaneous emission of position)
Step-I can be considered as nuclear transmutation as it produces a new nuclide \(_7^{13}N\).
However,
The new nuclide is unstable (radioactive).
Hence,
Step-I involves artificial (induced) radioactivity.
Thus, in artificial transmutation,
A stable element is collided with high speed particles to form another radioactive element.
