A superheavy element is a chemical element with an atomic number greater than 104. These elements are found at the bottom of the periodic table and are typically unstable, decaying quickly into lighter elements. Their discovery helps scientists understand the limits of atomic structure and the forces that hold nuclei together. Superheavy elements are created in laboratories through nuclear reactions, often by colliding lighter elements like californium with calcium ions. Due to their short half-lives, they are challenging to study, but they provide valuable insights into the behavior of matter under extreme conditions and the potential for new materials.