Nuclear Chemistry — Test

Question 39 • Physical Science

Which statement correctly compares chemical reactions with nuclear reactions?

Answer

In chemical reactions, only protons and neutrons are affected. In nuclear reactions, only electrons are affected.

In chemical reactions, new isotopes are formed. In nuclear reactions, new compounds are formed.

In chemical reactions, small amounts of energy can be absorbed or released. In nuclear reactions, changes in energy are much larger.

Chemical reactions can be represented by balanced equations. Nuclear reactions cannot be represented by balanced equations.

Explanation

Chemical reactions involve changes in how atoms’ electrons are arranged and typically absorb or release relatively small amounts of energy. Nuclear reactions change atomic nuclei and can release or absorb much larger amounts of energy, so choice C is correct. Both chemical and nuclear reactions can be represented with balanced equations, making D incorrect.

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