Elements beyond atomic number 94, which is plutonium (Pu), are generally not naturally occurring on Earth and are known as transuranium elements. These elements are typically produced through artificial means, primarily through nuclear reactions in laboratories or nuclear reactors.
The process of synthesizing transuranium elements involves bombarding heavy nuclei with high-energy particles, such as protons, neutrons, or other atomic nuclei. These collisions can lead to the formation of heavier and more complex atomic nuclei, resulting in the creation of new elements.
Various techniques and methods have been employed to produce transuranium elements. One common method is nuclear fission, where heavy nuclei are split into smaller fragments, releasing energy and producing new elements in the process. Another method is nuclear fusion, which involves the combination of lighter atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei.
Transuranium elements are typically highly unstable and undergo radioactive decay, meaning they decay over time by emitting radiation. As a result, they have relatively short half-lives and tend to exist only in trace amounts or in highly controlled laboratory conditions.
It's worth noting that some of the transuranium elements, such as plutonium and americium, can be produced in nuclear reactors during the fission of uranium or other fissile materials. These elements have practical applications, including use in nuclear power generation, nuclear weapons, and certain medical and industrial processes.
In summary, elements beyond atomic number 94 are primarily artificially produced through nuclear reactions in laboratories or reactors, and they generally have limited natural occurrence on Earth.