Chapter 24.1, Problem 2SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The subatomic particles involved in nuclear and chemical reactions needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

In chemical reactions, atoms can gain, lose or share valence electrons, but the identity of the atoms does not change. In nuclear reaction, nuclei combine, split and emit radiation.

Answer to Problem 2SSC

In nuclear reactions, proton, neutron and electrons all take part but in chemical reactions only electrons take part.

Explanation of Solution

Nuclear reactions occur due to combination, splitting of nuclei and thus emit radiation. It involves protons, neutrons and electrons and associated with huge energy changes. In nuclear reactions conversion of atoms of one element are into atoms of another element takes place and temperature, pressure and catalysts do not affect the reaction rates.

Chemical reaction occurs due to breaking and formation and bonds and involved only valence electrons. These reactions associated with small energy changes. In these reactions, the identity of atoms is same although they might lose, gain or share electrons and thus new substances form.

Conclusion

In nuclear reactions, all the three subatomic particles, proton, neutron and electron take part.