Which of the following describes transmutation?

Question

the joining together of two or more smaller nuclei to form a larger one
the time required for half of the atoms in any given quantity of a radioactive substance to decay
the breakup of a larger nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei
the changing of one element into another

Answer 1

The description that best describes transmutation is:

the changing of one element into another.

Transmutation refers to the process where one element transforms into another, typically through nuclear reactions, such as those occurring in radioactive decay or nuclear fusion.