Key Concepts: Element Synthesis

Core Definitions

• Element Synthesis: The creation of new elements by bombarding target nuclei with high-speed particles.
• Particle Accelerator: A machine that speeds up charged particles to collide with target atoms.
• Transuranium Elements: Elements with atomic numbers greater than 92 (uranium); all are synthetic.
• Nuclear Fusion: Combining two lighter nuclei to form a heavier one; releases enormous energy.
• Synthetic Elements: Elements not found naturally; created in labs using nuclear reactions.
• Super-heavy Elements: Elements with very high atomic numbers (e.g., oganesson, element 118); extremely unstable.