Nuclear transmutation is the process by which one chemical element or isotope is converted into another. This occurs when the nucleus of an atom changes due to nuclear reactions, such as radioactive decay or bombardment by particles. For example, when a neutron collides with a nucleus, it can cause the nucleus to change into a different element. This phenomenon is significant in various fields, including nuclear physics and radiochemistry. It is also the basis for the creation of radioisotopes, which are used in medical imaging and cancer treatment. Understanding nuclear transmutation helps scientists explore the properties of matter and the universe.