How Scientists At CERN Turned Lead Into Gold

 The Alchemists' Dream Realized: How Scientists at CERN Turned Lead Into Gold

For centuries, alchemists and mystics pursued the elusive dream of turning common lead into precious gold, a quest known as *chrysopoeia*. Their efforts were driven by a blend of ancient philosophy and a deep desire for wealth, but they were ultimately in vain. It turns out, you can't change one element into another with a dusty cauldron and chemical potions. The secret was far more complex—and far more modern.

In a groundbreaking triumph of modern physics, scientists at the CERN research facility have successfully achieved this ancient dream. Using the world's most powerful particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), researchers with the ALICE experiment have observed the transmutation of lead into gold.

It's All About the Nucleus

While gold and lead may seem similar in density, they are fundamentally different on an atomic level. Gold has 79 protons in its nucleus, while lead has 82. For centuries, this simple fact made alchemy impossible. However, the world of nuclear physics operates on a different set of rules.

At the LHC, lead nuclei are accelerated to nearly the speed of light. In rare "near-miss" collisions, where the nuclei don't crash head-on, their powerful electromagnetic fields interact. In a fleeting instant, these forces can knock out exactly three protons from a lead nucleus. When this happens, the lead atom, with its 82 protons, is instantly transformed into a gold atom, with 79.

A Scientific Triumph, Not a Treasure Hunt

While this breakthrough fulfills a centuries-old fantasy, it won't be starting a new gold rush. The amount of gold created is unimaginably small—just a few picograms—and it only exists for a fraction of a second before it disintegrates. The total mass of gold produced is trillions of times less than what would be needed to make a single piece of jewelry.

The true value of this achievement is not monetary but scientific. This "modern alchemy" provides physicists with invaluable insights into how elements are formed under extreme conditions. By understanding these nuclear reactions, scientists can improve the performance of particle accelerators and deepen our knowledge of the universe.

The story of turning lead into gold is a powerful reminder that while some dreams may be ancient, they can still be realized—not through magic, but through the patient, persistent, and awe-inspiring power of science.

Link to article - https://istudentpro.com/the-oldest-dream-of-humanity-has-come-true-in-france-with-the-transformation-of-lead-into-gold-but-its-primarily-a-major-triumph-for-science-60663/