Difference between nuclear reaction and chemical reaction?

Answer 1

AnswerNuclear reactions involve changes in the nucleus of atoms -- the number of protons and/or neutrons is changed. Chemical reactions do not cause any changes at all in the nucleus. Instead, in a chemical reaction, the electron clouds of atoms are interacting, and all changes are occurring with the electrons that surround the nucleus.

Answer 2

A nuclear reaction involves the splitting of nuclei, usually producing something unstable and releasing neutrons. After a nuclear reaction, a process of emitting radiation (alpha beta and gamma) occurs for it to gain stability.

A chemical reaction is where atoms bond with each other to gain stability.

Answer 3

Nuclear reactions change the number of nucleons (protons and/or neutrons) in the nuclei of atoms of at least one of the reactants, while chemical reactions change the distribution of electrons around nuclei that remain unchanged.

Answer 4

In a chemical reaction the identities of the individual atoms remain the same (i.e. the number of protons does not change), only the bonds between atoms, which only involve electrons, are changed.

In a nuclear change the identity of the element or elements involved does change as individual atoms fuse, fission (split), and eject alpha and beta particles.

Answer 5

Nuclear reactions involve ONLY the change of the nucleus, or more specifically, the particles which make up the nucleus of an atom (hence 'nuclear' reaction) which are called 'nucleons'. Nucleons are simply protons and neutrons. Such reactions can be 'nuclear fission' reactions, where the nucleus is split in some way. For example, a nucleus with 2 protons and 2 neutrons is fissioned, 2 separate nuclei, each with one proton and one neutron, are formed (NOTE: the nuclei formed don't have to be equal in size).

If it helps you visualise, just think of a proton as a red ball, and a neutron as a blue ball. Fissioning a nucleus is the same as taking some of the balls to make a new nucleus. This creates energy, which is why nuclear fission is used in nuclear power plants.

Fusion, the other type of nuclear reaction, is simply the opposite of fission, where two smaller nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus.

On the other hand, chemical reactions involve the other particle in the standard atomic model, the electron. In chemical reactions, electrons are lost, shared and gained by atoms, to form chemical bonds. Chemical reactions involve ONLY the electron - the nucleus has absolutely no direct involvement in a chemical reaction. Similarly, the electron has absolutely no involvement in a nuclear reaction.

The vast majority of everyday reactions will be chemical, whether biological, your car rusting or you cleaning the shower. The only 'everyday' nuclear reactions are background radiation, and those reactions taking place in a nuclear power plant.

Answer 6

In nuclear reactions, it is mainly the nucleus of the atom that reacts i.e. the neutrons and protons. In a chemical reaction, it is the electrons that react.

Answer 7

similarity between nuclear reaction and ordinary reaction

Answer 8

Chemical reactions involve electrons and nuclear reactions involve stuff in the nuclei of atoms for a start.

Answer 9

A nuclear reaction involve also the atomic nucleus and can change the nature of the chemical element.