2011-07-01, 05:00 PM
First of all, the difference between a gold atom and a platinum atom is one proton, electron, AND neutron. Look at the atomic weights. The difference is about 2 amu's.
Anyways, removing electrons from a metal really isn't a huge problem, since it's a common practice in semiconductor doping, so I'll just focus on removing protons.
Removing a proton from a metal is a huge problem. As of now, the only way to "remove" a proton (or H+ atom) from a metal atom is to bombard the metal atom with other particles (such as other protons or other atoms) or wait for the element to decay on its own (which takes too long to be feasible). Bombarding a gold atom with other particles doesn't guarantee that exactly one proton will be removed. Maybe two protons will be removed, or maybe the incoming protons will join with the gold atom to produce worthless (and probably radioactive) mercury.
Suppose that you discover a process that follows the troll science and is 50% efficient. (Nothing is ever 100% efficient.) The problem now is that by removing only a single proton and electron, you have produced an unstable isotope of platinum, and the platinum will probably be radioactive and decay. You'll also have to take care of the 50% of impurities (composed of radioactive waste) by either burying it or by developing another process that causes the radioactive waste to turn into non-radioactive waste. Both of these options are expensive and pose health risks.
Also, what government would let you build your own nuclear reactor?
Theoretically, the troll science is possible. It's just not worth it, and there are other ways to produce platinum that doesn't involve gold, which is an expensive material to begin with. It's interesting to note that some heavenly bodies naturally produce platinum, but we won't be able to harvest them anyways:
First Detection of Platinum, Osmium, and Lead in a Metal-Poor Halo Star: HD 126238
Gold and platinum in shales with evidence against extraterrestrial sources of metals
Are you older than my grandfather or what? Nuclear reactors and bombs have been around for quite a long time...
Anyways, removing electrons from a metal really isn't a huge problem, since it's a common practice in semiconductor doping, so I'll just focus on removing protons.
Removing a proton from a metal is a huge problem. As of now, the only way to "remove" a proton (or H+ atom) from a metal atom is to bombard the metal atom with other particles (such as other protons or other atoms) or wait for the element to decay on its own (which takes too long to be feasible). Bombarding a gold atom with other particles doesn't guarantee that exactly one proton will be removed. Maybe two protons will be removed, or maybe the incoming protons will join with the gold atom to produce worthless (and probably radioactive) mercury.
Suppose that you discover a process that follows the troll science and is 50% efficient. (Nothing is ever 100% efficient.) The problem now is that by removing only a single proton and electron, you have produced an unstable isotope of platinum, and the platinum will probably be radioactive and decay. You'll also have to take care of the 50% of impurities (composed of radioactive waste) by either burying it or by developing another process that causes the radioactive waste to turn into non-radioactive waste. Both of these options are expensive and pose health risks.
Also, what government would let you build your own nuclear reactor?
Theoretically, the troll science is possible. It's just not worth it, and there are other ways to produce platinum that doesn't involve gold, which is an expensive material to begin with. It's interesting to note that some heavenly bodies naturally produce platinum, but we won't be able to harvest them anyways:
First Detection of Platinum, Osmium, and Lead in a Metal-Poor Halo Star: HD 126238
Gold and platinum in shales with evidence against extraterrestrial sources of metals
Chicocl Wrote:It's that possible last time i checked a chemistry book it wasn't, and how it is possible?,if it is.
Are you older than my grandfather or what? Nuclear reactors and bombs have been around for quite a long time...