Question

examine the nuclear reaction: 1 1 h + 0 1 n → 1 2 h. why is this classified as a nuclear reaction rather than a chemical reaction?
a change has occurred in a nucleus.
it is not balanced.
a new compound is formed.
a new element has been formed.

Explanation:

Step1: Understand nuclear reaction definition

Nuclear reactions involve changes in the nucleus of an atom.

Step2: Analyze the given reaction

In the reaction \(_{1}^{1}\text{H}+_{0}^{1}\text{n}\to_{1}^{2}\text{H}\), a change occurs in the nucleus. A hydrogen - 1 nucleus combines with a neutron to form a hydrogen - 2 nucleus. Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of electrons around the nucleus, not changes in the nucleus itself.

Answer:

A change has occurred in a nucleus.