Difference Between Chemical Reaction and Nuclear Reaction: Explained with Examples

It is very important to have a strong base in chemistry to know the difference between chemical reaction and nuclear reaction. Both processes involve changes in matter and the release or absorption of energy, but they occur in completely different parts of an atom and produce different results. Chemical reactions involve a reorganization of atoms to form new substances, but nuclear reactions involve a change in the nucleus of an atom, which can even change one element into another.

This article explains the detailed difference between chemical reaction and nuclear reaction definitions, characteristics, examples and major comparison in simplified manner.

Table of Contents 

• What is a Chemical Reaction
• What is a Nuclear Reaction
• Difference Between Chemical Reaction and Nuclear Reaction
• Frequently Asked Questions about Difference Between Chemical reaction and Nuclear Reactions

What is a Chemical Reaction

A chemical reaction is a process in which one or more substances, called reactants, are converted into new substances known as products through the breaking and formation of chemical bonds. During this process, atoms are rearranged, but the nuclei of the atoms remain unchanged.

The question is how do chemical reactions occur? 

Chemical reactions occur due to the interaction of electrons present in the outermost shell of atoms. Since only the electronic arrangement changes, the identity of each element remains the same.

General Representation

$\text{Reactants} \rightarrow \text{Products}$

For example:

$2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O$

Here, hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water without changing into different elements.

Characteristics of Chemical Reactions 

• Involve the rearrangement of atoms.
• Chemical bonds are broken and new bonds are formed.
• New substances with different properties are produced.
• The nuclei of atoms remain unchanged.
• Energy changes are comparatively small.
• Reactions may be reversible or irreversible.

Also read: Balanced Chemical Equations 

What is a Nuclear Reaction

A nuclear reaction is a process in which the nucleus of an atom undergoes a change, resulting in the formation of a different element or isotope. These reactions release or absorb enormous amounts of energy because they involve changes within the atomic nucleus.

Unlike chemical reactions, nuclear reactions affect protons and neutrons rather than electrons.

Examples of nuclear reactions include nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, and radioactive decay.

Example:

$^{235}_{92}U + ^1_0n \rightarrow ^{141}_{56}Ba + ^{92}_{36}Kr + 3^1_0n + \text{Energy}$

Characteristics of Nuclear Reactions

• Occur inside the nucleus of an atom.
• One element may change into another.
• Release a very large amount of energy.
• Are generally irreversible.
• Are not affected by ordinary temperature, pressure, or catalysts.
• May emit alpha, beta, or gamma radiation.

Difference Between Chemical Reaction and Nuclear Reaction

Chemical Reaction	Nuclear Reaction
Takes place outside the nucleus involving electrons.	Takes place inside the atomic nucleus.
No new element is formed.	New elements or isotopes may be formed.
Chemical bonds are broken and formed.	The nucleus itself undergoes change.
Energy released is comparatively small.	Energy released is extremely large.
Influenced by temperature, pressure and catalysts.	Not affected by ordinary physical conditions.
Mass remains practically unchanged.	A small amount of mass converts into energy.
May be reversible or irreversible.	Generally irreversible.
No radioactive radiation is emitted.	Radioactive particles or radiation may be emitted.
Examples include combustion and rusting.	Examples include nuclear fission and fusion.

Know more: Nuclear Power Plant Working

The difference between a chemical reaction and a nuclear reaction is essentially in the part of the atom where the change happens. Chemical reactions do n't change the identity of elements , they just rearrange electrons and chemical bonds. Nuclear reactions happen in the atomic nucleus and can change one element into another and release a tremendous amount of energy.