Which phrase describes transmutations?
A. the conversion of energy to matter through chemical changes
B. the conversion of one substance to another through chemical changes
C. the conversion of an atom of one element into a different element through nuclear changes
D. the conversion of protons to neutrons through nuclear changes
C. the conversion of an atom of one element into a different element through nuclear changes
C. the conversion of an atom of one element into a different element through nuclear changes
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze the options:
A. The conversion of energy to matter through chemical changes. This does not accurately describe transmutations. Transmutations involve the conversion of one substance to another, not the conversion of energy to matter.
B. The conversion of one substance to another through chemical changes. This option accurately describes transmutations. During transmutations, the identity of the substance is changed through chemical reactions.
C. The conversion of an atom of one element into a different element through nuclear changes. This accurately describes transmutations. Transmutations involve changing the atomic nucleus of an element, resulting in the formation of a different element.
D. The conversion of protons to neutrons through nuclear changes. This does not accurately describe transmutations. The conversion of protons to neutrons is not a transmutation itself, but rather a nuclear process called "beta decay".
Therefore, the correct answer is B. The phrase "the conversion of one substance to another through chemical changes" best describes transmutations.