Transmutation of elements can be achieved artificially by the bombardment of elements with high-speed particles or ions using a particle accelerator. ... The nucleus then becomes more stable by converting one of its neutrons into a proton by beta decay, becoming a nucleus of the next heavier element in the process.

How does artificial transmutation occur?

Artificial or induced transmutation occurs when atoms of one element are struck with particles in a linear accelerator, cyclotron, or synchrotron. ... With this process, some of the protons from the bombarding particles are lodged in the target nucleus, promoting the transmutation into a different element.

How are elements transmuted?

Transmutation, conversion of one chemical element into another. A transmutation entails a change in the structure of atomic nuclei and hence may be induced by a nuclear reaction (q.v.), such as neutron capture, or occur spontaneously by radioactive decay, such as alpha decay and beta decay (qq.