Nuclear transmutation is the conversion of one
chemical element or
isotope into another. In other words,
atoms of one element can be changed into atoms of another element by a process which occurs either through
nuclear reactions (in which an outside particle reacts with a nucleus), or through
radioactive decay (where no outside particle is needed). Transmutation technology has the potential to greatly reduce the long-term negative effects of radioactive wastes on human populations by reducing its radioactive half-life.