CHEM 115 - Exam 1 - 24.1: Difference Between Chemical and Nuclear Reactions

One substance is converted into another, but atoms never change identity.

Chemical

Atoms of one element typically are converted into atoms of another element

Nuclear

Electrons in orbitals are involved as bonds break and form

Chemical

Protons, neutrons, and other nuclear particles are involved; electrons in orbitals take part much less often

Nuclear

Reactions are accompanied by relatively small changes in energy and no measurable changes in mass

Chemical

Reactions are accompanied by relatively large changes in energy and measurable changes in mass

Nuclear

Reaction rates are influenced by temperature, concentration, catalysts, and the compound in which an element occurs

Chemical

Reaction rates depend on the number of nuclei, but are not affected by temperature, catalysts, or, except on rare occasions, the compound in which an element occurs

Nuclear