Chapter 24.1, Problem 3SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A reaction is chemical or nuclear, when an atom undergoes a reaction and attains a more stable form 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 3SSC

Due to the emission of radiation, a more stable form is attained in nuclear reaction.

Explanation of Solution

Nuclear chemistry is concerned with the structure of atomic nuclei and changes they go.

Isotopes are atoms of same element whose number of neutrons is different. Isotopes having unstable nuclei are termed as radioisotopes. These unstable nuclei emit radiation to attain more stable atomic configuration is termed as radioactive decay. So, in nuclear reaction a more stable form is attained.

Conclusion

The unstable nuclei of radioisotopes emit radiation in nuclear reaction to attain stable atomic configuration.