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QuizMultiple Choice

Types of Radioactive Decay

Question 1 • EDG CHEM ES W/LABS2(P) – Q2_9

What is a key difference between chemical and nuclear reactions?

Answer
A
In chemical reactions, new compounds are formed. In nuclear reactions, compounds are destroyed.
B
Chemical reactions involve electron rearrangements. Nuclear reactions involve changes to the nucleus.
C
Chemical reactions involve large changes in energy. Nuclear reactions absorb or release small amounts of energy.
D
In chemical reactions, only alpha radiation is emitted. In nuclear reactions, alpha, beta, and gamma decay may occur.

Explanation

Chemical reactions rearrange electrons and chemical bonds, while the atoms’ nuclei remain unchanged. Nuclear reactions change the nucleus, for example by changing the number of protons or neutrons. Therefore, the key difference is described by “Chemical reactions involve electron rearrangements. Nuclear reactions involve changes to the nucleus.”

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