Discovery Background Uranium, element 92, is the heaviest element to occur in significant quantities in nature; heavier elements can only be practically produced by synthesis. The first synthesis of a new element—neptunium, element 93—was achieved in 1940 by a team of researchers in the United States. In the following years, American scientists synthesized the elements up to mendelevium, element 101, which was synthesized in 1955. From element 102, the priority of discoveries was contested between American and Soviet physicists. Their rivalry resulted in a race for new elements and credit for their discoveries, later named the Transfermium Wars.
discovery background uranium element 92 is the heaviest element to occur in significant quantities in nature; heavier elements can only be practically produced by synthesis the first synthesis of a new element—neptunium element 93—was achieved in 1940 by a team of researchers in the united states in the following years american scientists synthesized the elements up to mendelevium element 101 which was synthesized in 1955 from element 102 the priority of discoveries was contested between american and soviet physicists their rivalry resulted in a race for new elements and credit for their discoveries later named the transfermium wars