Top topic this week
Back to FAQs
Related FAQs
Frequently Asked Question
Questions asked by users might not always be phrased in the clearest way.
Different between chemical reactions and nuclear reactions
Accepted Answer
Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of electrons and the formation or breaking of chemical bonds between atoms. Nuclear reactions, on the other hand, involve changes in the nucleus of an atom, leading to the release or absorption of tremendous amounts of energy. Here's a concise comparison:
Chemical Reactions:
Involve changes in electron configuration.
Result in the formation or breaking of chemical bonds.
Occur at relatively low energies.
Generally do not affect the identity of the elements involved.
Nuclear Reactions:
Involve changes in the nucleus (protons and neutrons).
Can result in the transmutation of elements.
Release or absorb enormous amounts of energy.
Often involve radioactive isotopes.
Examples:
Chemical: Burning wood (combustion) involves the reaction of oxygen with the molecules in the wood, producing heat and light.
Nuclear: Nuclear fission of uranium involves the splitting of uranium nuclei into smaller nuclei, releasing a tremendous amount of energy.
Articles you might like