Why do the isotopes of a particular element behave differently in nuclear reactions but the same in chemical reactions? Check all that apply.
Answer
A
Chemical reactions involve changes to electrons in an atom; isotopes do not differ in electrons, and so they react the same way during chemical changes.
B
Chemical reactions involve changes to protons and neutrons in an atom; isotopes do not differ in protons or neutrons, and so they react the same way during chemical changes.
C
Nuclear reactions involve changes to protons and neutrons in an atom; isotopes differ in neutrons, and so they react differently to these changes.
D
Nuclear reactions involve changes to electrons in an atom; isotopes differ in electrons, and so they react differently to these changes.