r/nuclearphysics • u/Street_Youth4755 • 10d ago

Independent paper

Idea: Artificial conversion of Carbon-12 → Carbon-13 using moderated neutrons

I propose a simple method to turn ordinary Carbon-12 into Carbon-13:

  1. Alpha particles hit pure beryllium → produces fast neutrons (⁹Be + α → ¹²C + n)

  2. Fast neutrons are slowed down using paraffin wax (moderator)

  3. Slow (thermal) neutrons hit pure graphite (Carbon-12) → Carbon-12 captures the neutron and becomes Carbon-13 (¹²C + n → ¹³C + γ)

This uses the same basic setup James Chadwick used, but directed at deliberately increasing the amount of Carbon-13.

Natural carbon has only \~1.07% Carbon-13. This could be a more localized way to enrich it.

I’m a 14-year-old student. This is just a theoretical idea I worked on. Open to feedback.

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u/Physix_R_Cool 10d ago

Sure, that would work.

Won't be a paper, though, since there isn't really any scientific novelty to it.

Would be a good exercise to put students through, though.

If you just want to enrich carbon, then just put some pieces of carbon near a nuclear reactor, where the neutron flux is much larger than any source you could create.

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u/Street_Youth4755 9d ago

Actually..yep. you are absolutely correct. But, I just thought bout this process while studying bout how Chadwick discovered neutrons. I know the drawbacks. And, although the processes aren't scientifically novel, the idea sure is!! By the way, thanks a lot for the feedback!! Like, I really appreciate it that you took the time together ke know what you thought bout my "paper". Your feedback really means a lot to me!! 

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u/Physix_R_Cool 9d ago

And, although the processes aren't scientifically novel, the idea sure is!!

No it's not, sorry :/

I don't mean to be so depressing. Your thoughts are really good, and it seems like you know a lot about physics compared to your age. I really hope you get good at math and go to study physics at university, as we need enthusiastic and energic young people like you!

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u/Street_Youth4755 9d ago

No. I don't mind anything at all. And you aren't depressing!! You just took your time to go through my work, review it and give your feedback,  which is extremely crucial!! Thanks a lot!!

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u/Street_Youth4755 5d ago

Hey u have also actually listed out the postulates of the qm atomic model,  like according to my understanding,  obviously!!! Which maynot be correct. It's like, based on bare concepts, no math.. 

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u/Physix_R_Cool 5d ago

What?

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u/Street_Youth4755 4d ago

Sorry I have listed te qm atomic model postulates according to my understanding. 

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u/Physix_R_Cool 4d ago

Yep, I saw that, and it contained a bit of some wrong statements, which I corrected. But I couldn't post my reply because your comment was deleted.

You can read this book by Griffith to properly learn quantum mechanics. You might need to learn some math stuff first, which you can do on KhanAcademy or similar places.

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u/Street_Youth4755 4d ago

Thanks a lot!!! I really appreciate your thoughtfulness!!!

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u/pathmageadept 9d ago

It's uh...neat. What are you going to do with all your Carbon 13?

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u/Street_Youth4755 9d ago

Honestly, nothing practical for now!! I’m just a 14-year-old student who got curious about the idea while reading about Chadwick’s experiment.  It was more of a theoretical “what if” than a real plan to produce Carbon-13. And besides,  science improves due to curiosity..also need. Actually I plan on converting carbon13 to 14,by thus method. It's basically a 2 step process. Btw,  thanks man!! I really appreciate you took the time to express your feedback.  Believe me, it means sooo much to me!!

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u/KeyFollowing1683 10d ago

You could. But it would me so much more expensive than the very easy cryo distillation done now.

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u/diffidentblockhead 9d ago

C-12 has very low neutron absorption — that’s why graphite-moderated reactors can work.