Why is transmutation specific to nuclear chemistry? Thank you.?

Answer 1

Transmutation involves one pure substance changing from one element to another element. Non-nuclear chemical reactions can cause elements to bond to others, loose/gain electrons (change charges) and sometimes involve isotope specific reactions. In order for an atom to change from one element to another, a proton in the atomic nucleus must be added or subtracted. This is only done through nuclear bombardment or radioactive decay, both nuclear chemistry processes. These processes which significantly effect the atomic “nucleus” is why it is named “nuclear” chemistry.

Answer 2

By definition transmutation involves changing one element to another; an element is defined by the number of protons in the nucleus, so changing that requires changing the nucleus.