<P> It transpired that , under true nuclear transmutation , it is far easier to turn gold into lead than the reverse reaction , which was the one the alchemists had ardently pursued . Nuclear experiments have successfully transmuted lead into gold , but the expense far exceeds any gain . It would be easier to convert lead into gold via neutron capture and beta decay by leaving lead in a nuclear reactor for a long period of time . </P>
<P> It transpired that , under true nuclear transmutation , it is far easier to turn gold into lead than the reverse reaction , which was the one the alchemists had ardently pursued . Nuclear experiments have successfully transmuted lead into gold , but the expense far exceeds any gain . It would be easier to convert lead into gold via neutron capture and beta decay by leaving lead in a nuclear reactor for a long period of time . </P>
what would need to happen to change a lead atom into a gold atom
what would need to happen to change a lead atom into a gold atom
nuclear transmutation
nuclear transmutation