Question

You and a classmate are working on a chemistry presentation about the differences in chemical reactions and nuclear reactions. Which two pieces of information below would you want to be certain to include in your presentation?(2 points) Responses Chemical reactions involve the nuclei of various atoms fusing to make atoms of different elements. Chemical reactions involve the nuclei of various atoms fusing to make atoms of different elements. Nuclear reactions result from exchanges between electrons of different atoms. Nuclear reactions result from exchanges between electrons of different atoms. Nuclear reactions stem from changes to the nucleus of atoms and can result in the formation of isotopes of different elements. Nuclear reactions stem from changes to the nucleus of atoms and can result in the formation of isotopes of different elements. Chemical reactions result from the exchange or sharing of electrons between atoms, but no new atoms are formed.

Answer 1

For your presentation on the differences between chemical reactions and nuclear reactions, you should include the following two pieces of information:

1. Nuclear reactions stem from changes to the nucleus of atoms and can result in the formation of isotopes of different elements.
2. Chemical reactions result from the exchange or sharing of electrons between atoms, but no new atoms are formed.

These statements accurately reflect the fundamental distinctions between chemical (electron-based) and nuclear (nucleus-based) reactions.