Creating gold from particles was possible

[Jarfi]

I have always just assumed that now creating gold from particles was possible, but can they really do it?

It must require a lot of pressure to get the protons close enough together for the strong force to finish the job, since the repulsive electromagnetic force.

Do they do this? than just add electrons, or are stars the only place with the conditions for this.

 

[euquila]

I'm sure it is possible but with our current level of technology and understanding of materials science just impractical.

 

[sophiecentaur]

In a nuclear reactor, many elements are tansmuted into other elements. But this doesn't just happen 'to order'. Some products are much more likely to emerge than others.

 

[azizlwl]

if we make gold out of something, then it is logical that we can make that gold into something or reverse the process.
Then what is so unique about that 'gold'. We love rare/unique items but not the mass produced items

 

[syhprum]

Alchemy still goes on in devices called calutrons but it is such an expencive process that it is only used to produce isotopes more valuable than gold such as radioactive isotopes for medical imaging.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calutron

 

[sophiecentaur]

We 'love' gold because of its properties (non-corroding', colour etc and it history). We love it because it is rare and, hence, valuable. However, 'making' it from other elements would cost more than getting it through the usual processes.