Which statement about the number of protons and neutrons in a nuclear change is correct?
responses-
a- The total atomic mass before and after the change remains the same, but the total charge is different.
b- The relative numbers of protons and neutrons are the same before and after the change.
c- The total charge before and after the change remains the same, but the total atomic mass is different.
d- The relative numbers of protons and neutrons can differ before and after the change, but the total number of those particles remains the same.
d- The relative numbers of protons and neutrons can differ before and after the change, but the total number of those particles remains the same.
The correct statement is:
d- The relative numbers of protons and neutrons can differ before and after the change, but the total number of those particles remains the same.
To determine which statement is correct, we need to understand the concept of a nuclear change. A nuclear change refers to any process that alters the nucleus of an atom, such as radioactive decay or nuclear reactions.
Let's analyze each statement and see which one is accurate:
a- The total atomic mass before and after the change remains the same, but the total charge is different.
This statement is not correct. In a nuclear change, the total atomic mass can indeed change due to the addition or removal of nucleons (protons and neutrons). However, the total charge will always remain the same since protons carry a positive charge, and the number of protons stays constant in a nuclear change.
b- The relative numbers of protons and neutrons are the same before and after the change.
This statement is also incorrect. In a nuclear change, the relative numbers of protons and neutrons can differ before and after the change. Some nuclear processes involve the emission or absorption of particles, leading to a change in the relative numbers of protons and neutrons.
c- The total charge before and after the change remains the same, but the total atomic mass is different.
This statement is accurate. As mentioned earlier, the total charge remains the same because the number of protons does not change during a nuclear change. However, the total atomic mass can be different due to the addition or removal of protons or neutrons.
d- The relative numbers of protons and neutrons can differ before and after the change, but the total number of those particles remains the same.
This statement is also true. In a nuclear change, the relative numbers of protons and neutrons can indeed differ before and after the change, but the total number of protons and neutrons remains the same.
Therefore, the correct statement is:
d- The relative numbers of protons and neutrons can differ before and after the change, but the total number of those particles remains the same.