Which of the following distinguishes a nuclear reaction from a chemical reaction?
Mass is conserved.
It involves atoms.
There is an exchange of electrons. <my answer
There is a change in the nucleus.
hint: nuclear reaction.
The correct answer is: "There is a change in the nucleus."
To understand why this option distinguishes a nuclear reaction from a chemical reaction, let's first understand the basic differences between the two types of reactions.
In a chemical reaction, atoms rearrange their outer electrons to form new chemical bonds. This leads to the formation of new substances, but the nuclei of the atoms involved do not change. Chemical reactions can involve the exchange, sharing, or transfer of electrons, which gives rise to the various chemical properties and reactions we observe in everyday life.
On the other hand, a nuclear reaction involves changes in the nucleus of an atom. The nucleus is the central part of an atom that contains protons and neutrons. In a nuclear reaction, the number of protons and/or neutrons in the nucleus can change, leading to the formation of different isotopes or even different elements. This process is often accompanied by the release of large amounts of energy.
Therefore, by choosing the option "There is a change in the nucleus," you correctly identify one of the key distinctions between a nuclear reaction and a chemical reaction.