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Examine the nuclear reaction: (1/1)H+(1/0)n-->(2/1)H. Why is this classified as a nuclear reaction rather than a chemical reaction?

It is not balanced.

A new compound is formed.

A change has occurred in a nucleus.

A new element has been formed.

Verified Answer :

I believe the correct answer from the choices would be that a change has occurred in a nucleus. A change in the nucleus would always describe a nuclear reaction rather than a chemical reaction. This only happens when a particle is being bombarded with high energy particles. 

Answer: Option (c) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

A reaction in which there occurs change in the number of protons or neutrons  because of collisions between two nuclei or an atom and a subatomic particle is known as a nuclear reaction.

For example, \(^{1}_{1}H + ^{1}_{0}n \rightarrow ^{2}_{1}H\)

Here, a neutron is added to the nucleus of hydrogen atom. Therefore, it is a nuclear reaction.

In a chemical reaction there is gain or loss of electrons which results in the formation of a new compound and no change in the nucleus of an atom.

Thus, we can conclude that the given reaction is classified as a nuclear reaction rather than a chemical reaction because a change has occurred in a nucleus.

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