Which statement about the number of protons and neutrons in a nuclear change is correct?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The relative numbers of protons and neutrons are the same before and after the change.
The relative numbers of protons and neutrons are the same before and after the change.

The total atomic mass before and after the change remains the same, but the total charge is different.
The total atomic mass before and after the change remains the same, but the total charge is different.

The total charge before and after the change remains the same, but the total atomic mass is different.
The total charge before and after the change remains the same, but the total atomic mass is different.

The relative numbers of protons and neutrons can differ before and after the change, but the total number of those particles remains the same.

Answer 1

The correct statement is:

The total charge before and after the change remains the same, but the total atomic mass is different.

In nuclear reactions, the number of protons and neutrons can change, particularly in processes like beta decay, fusion, and fission. These changes can result in a different total atomic mass before and after the change. However, the total charge (which depends on the number of protons) does remain constant if you consider the overall charge of the system or during a balanced reaction.