Synthetic elements are chemical elements that are not found naturally on Earth and are created artificially in laboratories. These elements are typically produced by bombarding target atoms with particles, such as neutrons or protons, in a particle accelerator. Examples of synthetic elements include plutonium, berkelium, and californium. Most synthetic elements are unstable and radioactive, meaning they decay over time into other elements. They are often used in scientific research, medical applications, and nuclear energy. The discovery of synthetic elements has expanded our understanding of the periodic table and the behavior of matter under extreme conditions.