Radioactivity has been around since the Big Bang . Humans have known about radioactivity and used it since the 19 th century. Atoms cannot be changed from one element to another . Atoms can be changed to new elements with the addition or subtraction of a proton . We see atoms change in alpha decay , fission and fusion reactions.
Fission is the splitting of atoms and fusion is the combining of atoms.
Neutrons and protons have no internal structure . Neutrons and protons are composed of quarks and gluons . Nuclear power plants produce harmful radioactive waste while other forms of electrical generation do not. Mining for coal brings uranium to the surface of earth. That radioactivity can have a greater effect on the environment than nuclear waste.