Final answer:
To change the type of element, the number of protons (atomic number) within an atom's nucleus must be altered, as each element has a unique atomic number. Altering neutrons or electrons does not change the element type.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you want to change the type of element, you should change the atomic number, which is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Elements are defined by the number of protons they have, with each element on the periodic table having a unique atomic number. For instance, hydrogen has 1 proton, while helium has 2. A change in the number of protons (atomic number) results in a different element.
However, altering the number of neutrons leads to different isotopes of the same element, and changing the number of electrons can result in ions, but the type of element remains the same unless the number of protons changes. Note that changing the type of element naturally occurs during nuclear reactions, such as fusion and fission, but is not achieved by chemical reactions or physical changes.