Chapter 4.4, Problem 27SSC

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Thorium emitting a beta particle is a chemical reaction or a nuclear reaction is to be classified.

Concept Introduction :

Chemical reaction involves the rearrangement of the molecular or ionic structures of the substance.

Nuclear reaction is a process that involves the collision of two nuclei or nuclear particles that produces a different product than initial particles.

Answer to Problem 27SSC

Thorium emitting a beta particle is a nuclear reaction.

Explanation of Solution

Beta particle decay is also known as beta ray or beta radiation. It is a high-speed, high-energy electron or positron. The electron or positron is emitted from the radioactive nuclei in this decay.

The nucleus of thorium-234 undergoes beta decay. The nuclear reaction of thorium emitting a beta particle is given below:

  $\text{T}\text{h}\to \text{e}+\text{P}\text{a}$

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Two atoms sharing electrons to form a bond is a chemical reaction or a nuclear reaction is to be classified.

Concept Introduction :

A chemical reaction involves the rearrangement of the molecular or ionic structures of the substance.

A nuclear reaction is a process that involves the collision of two nuclei or nuclear particles that produces a different product than initial particles.

Answer to Problem 27SSC

Two atoms sharing electrons to form a bond is a chemical reaction.

Explanation of Solution

A covalent bond is also known as a molecular bond. The sharing of electron pairs between atoms takes place in this chemical bond and these pairs of electrons are termed as bonding pairs or shared pairs. Thus, covalent bonding is stable and the attractive and repulsive forces are balanced between atoms while sharing electrons.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: A sample of pure sulfur emits heat energy as it slowly cools is a chemical reaction or nuclear reaction is to be classified.

Concept Introduction: Chemical reaction involves the rearrangement of the molecular or ionic structures of the substance.

A nuclear reaction is a process that involves the collision of two nuclei or nuclear particles that produces a different product than initial particles.

Answer to Problem 27SSC

A sample of pure sulfur emitting heat energy as it slowly cools down is neither a chemical reaction nor a nuclear reaction.

Explanation of Solution

A sample of pure sulfur emits heat energy as it slowly cools and is neither a chemical reaction nor a nuclear reaction as the process involved is cooling. There is no rearrangement of molecules or the collision of nuclear particles.

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: A piece of iron rusting is a process of a chemical reaction or nuclear reaction is to be classified.

Concept Introduction: Chemical reaction involves the rearrangement of the molecular or ionic structures of the substance.

A nuclear reaction is a process that involves the collision of two nuclei or nuclear particles that produces a different product than initial particles.

Answer to Problem 27SSC

A piece of iron rusting is a process of a chemical reaction.

Explanation of Solution

Rusting of iron is a redox reaction between oxygen and iron in an environment with moisture. It forms rust that is an iron oxide on the surface of iron objects or structures. The rusting of iron can be regarded as a formation of a layer of a red, blistering substance that is easily crushed into a powder.