Question about the forming of heavy elements.

[MrModesty]

I know that I'm told that the heaviest elements can only be created in massive supernovae. Is this just theory, or have we created, in labs, lighter elements in scaled down collisions/explosions?

[Lazy]

I'm not too sure on the details of theory, but yes, "we" have created heavier elements. These lighter or heavier elements are formed through types of radioactive decay such as \alpha and \beta decay. Just a situation where there are not enough neutrons, too many neutrons, too little protons. Generally \alpha decay occurs when there are too many protons, and \beta decay when there are too many neutrons. This is induced of course. Some examples : fission of U-235 produces a source of neutrons, which are then bombarded into other elements to create heavier isotopes. Like Cobalt-60, Iodine-123, Strontium-90.

As far as I know we can't actually "create" these new heavier or lighter elements. We just slightly alter existing ones and call them isotopes. And that too elements very, very close to each other. I don't know if we can actually just "create" something.

Hope that helped.

Here is an example:

1.) ^{238}_{92}U+ ^{1}_{0}n\xrightarrow~ ^{239}_{92}U

2.) ^{239}_{92}U\xrightarrow~ ^{239}_{93}Np+ ^{0}_ {-1}e

3.) ^{239}_{93}Np\xrightarrow~ + ^{239}_{94}Pu + ^{0}_{-1}e

[Char. Limit]

We created Technetium. It didn't exist before we made it. It's also the only artificial element lighter than lead.

[sigmavirus]

we're talking about HEAVIER elements, though

[Lazy]

we're talking about HEAVIER elements, though

The OP did mention lighter elements as well.

[Char. Limit]

Also, every element above 92 was created in a lab.

[sigmavirus]

The OP did mention lighter elements as well.

oh i see. sorry.