How are nuclear reactions similar to alchemy?

Answer 1

Alchemy was a supposition held before modern science developed, that elements could be transmuted, ie to turn lead into gold, or similar, by chemical means. The alchemists never succeeded and we know now that this is impossible. The nature of an element depends solely on the make up of its nucleus, primarily on the number of protons it contains. We know now that this can be altered by radioactivity or by exposing a material to a neutron flux in a reactor, so transmutation does occur but only by means that the alchemists never knew about.

Answer 2

Both nuclear reactions and alchemy involve changing the composition of elements at the atomic level to create new substances. Alchemy sought to transmute base metals into noble metals like gold, while nuclear reactions involve the splitting or merging of atomic nuclei to produce energy or create new elements. Both practices have historically involved the manipulation of matter to achieve desired outcomes through different processes.