Okay, so I understand that the number of protons in an atom defines the element. But why are there only 118 of them? Can’t we keep on adding protons to an atom to create new elements?

Question

EDIT: Thanks for all the responses!

In: 3337

Answer 1

Sure you can, but the further you go the more unstable these elements become. Some of the ones on the currently described top end are purely man-made, only existing for a tiny duration of time in a lab before they decay.

E: there are [some exceptions](https://www.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/11187pi/eli5_okay_so_i_understand_that_the_number_of/j8f456t/)