transmutation
(noun)
the transformation of one element into another by a nuclear reaction
Examples of transmutation in the following topics:
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Beta Decay
- Since the proton and neutron are part of an atomic nucleus, beta decay processes result in transmutation of one chemical element into another.
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Early Models of the Atom
- Certain systematic features were recognized, but similarities between common and rare elements resulted in efforts to transmute them (lead into gold, in particular) for financial gain.