“I must ask, can molecules “evolve”? I know they can decay and, even subsequently return to their natural state but, can Lead (Pb) become Gold (Au)?”
Lead and gold are elements, not molecules.
Lead into gold is tricky, but we’ve been able to turn things like mercury or bismuth into gold using reactors or neutron sources. Granted its far more expensive to do than to just mine gold, but it’s certainly possible and has been done for decades now.
Really?
Well, quelle suprise! /S
How many of those molecules aren’t really Lead or Gold? (Hint, that is why they are “elements”).
True, but they also exist in a molecular state.
Splitting hairs, or is it atoms?