Asked by Julie

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?
A new compound is formed.
A change has occurred in a nucleus.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Answer: "A change has occurred in a nucleus."

Explanation: The reaction adds a neutron to a proton to make a different nucleus (deuterium). Chemical reactions involve rearrangements of electrons and the making/breaking of chemical bonds while nuclei remain unchanged. This process changes the nucleus (an isotope is formed) and involves nuclear forces and binding energy, so it is a nuclear reaction, not a chemical one.