Would it be possible to create a machine that (safely) split atoms and rearrange them differently?

I'm currently working on a story and I'm having some interrogations about the plausibility of a civilization.

Quick backstory: Humans had to abandon Earth a few thousand years ago for the classic reasons. Since two hospitable planets were found, humanity was divided in two parts, based on their view of how to avoid destroying a planet again. Planet A received those who would steer technology toward sustainable development, and planet B those who would reject technology entirely. The former are the cause of my headaches. I would like them to have invented a way to create material from any substance through rearrangement, not only on the molecular level but on the atomic level too. That machine would prevent waste, by making virtually everything recyclable. Basically, you put a pound of iron inside the machine, choose to make lead out of it, wait for as long as is necessary, then walk away with a pound of lead. Would that be plausible? What would be the implications and limitations?

Some thoughts (That I might edit/add depending on answers I get):

• I have no problem with the machine being miles and miles long/wide if necessary.

• There could be one in every house or only one on the planet, no problem there either.

• Ideally, focus would be one speed/capacity. Since anybody could use that, I'd like it to be as fast and efficient as possible. People could easily tone down their demands to fit the machine(s) limitations, but the faster, the better.
• Having supraconductors and very efficient energy gathering through solar devices, energy should be available in great quantity. Would even that be enough?

• There IS magic in the story, although only on the other planet so far. Magical implications would be acceptable, but I'd rather it stayed plausible without those.

  Anything else I should worry about? Thank you.

posted almost 8 years ago

Garnovski‭

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