Asked by wholemelt
Examine the nuclear reaction: Superscript 1 subscript 1 H plus superscript 1 subscript 0 n right arrow superscript 2 subscript 1 H.. Why is this classified as a nuclear reaction rather than a chemical reaction?
It is not balanced.
A new compound is formed.
A change has occurred in a nucleus.
A new element has been formed.
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
Correct answer: "A change has occurred in a nucleus."
Explanation: A neutron is captured by a hydrogen nucleus (a proton) to form deuterium (2H) — an isotopic change of the nucleus. Chemical reactions only rearrange electrons and do not change nuclei; this process changes nucleons, so it is a nuclear reaction. (The equation is balanced and the element remains hydrogen, so the other choices are incorrect.)
Explanation: A neutron is captured by a hydrogen nucleus (a proton) to form deuterium (2H) — an isotopic change of the nucleus. Chemical reactions only rearrange electrons and do not change nuclei; this process changes nucleons, so it is a nuclear reaction. (The equation is balanced and the element remains hydrogen, so the other choices are incorrect.)
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