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RADIOACTIVITY- CHEMICAL vs NUCLEAR REACTIONS

Nuclear and chemical reaction has the following similarities:

(i)-both involve the subatomic particles; electrons, protons and neutrons in an  atom

 (ii)-both involve the subatomic particles trying to make the atom more stable.

          (iii)-Some for of energy transfer/release/absorb from/to the environment take  place.

Nuclear and chemical reaction has the following differences:

           (i) Nuclear reactions mainly involve protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Chemical   reactions mainly involve outer electrons in the energy levels an atom.

          (ii) Nuclear reactions  form a new element.               

Chemical   reactions do not form new elements

(iii) Nuclear reactions mainly involve evolution/production of large quantity of heat/energy.

           Chemical   reactions produce or absorb small quantity of heat/energy.

(iv)Nuclear reactions are accompanied by a loss in mass/mass defect.Do not obey the law of conservation of matter.

Chemical   reactions are not accompanied by a loss in mass/ mass defect hence obey the law of conservation of matter.

(v)The rate of decay/ disintegration of the nuclide is independent of physical conditions (temperature/pressure /purityp/article size)

The rate of a chemical reaction is dependent on physical conditions (temperature/pressure/purity/particle size/ surface area)

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