What is the difference between Chemical Reactions and Nuclear Reactions?

Chemical Reactions

1. During chemical reactions, elements do not lose their identity. In these reactions, only the electrons in the outermost shell of atoms participate whereas the nuclei of atoms remain unchanged.

2. Reactivity of an element towards chemical reactions depends upon the oxidation state of the element. In ordinary chemical reactions, Ra and Ra²⁺ behave quite differently.

3. Different isotopes of an element have nearly same chemical reactivity.

4. Rate of a chemical reaction is largely affected by temperature and pressure.

5. A chemical reaction can be reversed.

6. Chemical reactions are accompanied by relatively small energy changes.

Nuclear Reactions

1. During nuclear reactions, the nuclei of atoms undergo change and therefore new elements are formed as a result of such reactions.

2. Reactivity of an element towards nuclear reactions is nearly independent of oxidation state of the element. For example, Ra element or Ra²⁺ ion in RaC₂ behave s similarly during nuclear reactions.

3. In nuclear reactions, isotopes behave quite differently. For example, U-235 undergoes fission quietly readily but U-238 does not.

4. Rate of a nuclear reaction is independent of temperature and pressure.

5. A nuclear reaction cannot be reversed.

6. Nuclear reactions are accompanied by large energy changes.