Here's why:
* Elements are defined by their number of protons. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus determines its atomic number and defines what element it is.
* Scientists can bombard existing elements with particles. This process can create new elements with a higher atomic number, as some of the particles fuse with the nucleus, adding protons.
Here's how it happens:
* Particle accelerators: These machines accelerate particles to very high speeds and energies.
* Target elements: Specific elements are chosen as targets for the accelerated particles.
* Collision and fusion: When the particles collide with the target atoms, some of them fuse with the target nucleus, adding protons and creating a new element.
Elements created in laboratories:
* Technetium (Tc) was the first artificially created element.
* Elements 93 (Neptunium) to 118 (Oganesson) were all created in laboratories, with some being extremely short-lived.
It's fascinating how scientists can manipulate the building blocks of matter to create new elements!
