Identify whether each reaction represents a chemical reaction or a nuclear reaction by filling in the blank with the word 'chemical' or 'nuclear':

1. [tex]\( Cl_2 + H_2 \rightarrow 2 HCl \)[/tex]

This represents a [tex]\(\square\)[/tex] reaction.

2. [tex]\( \frac{2}{1}H + \frac{3}{2}H \rightarrow \frac{4}{2}He + \frac{1}{0}n \)[/tex]

This represents a [tex]\(\square\)[/tex] reaction.



Answer :

Let's identify the type of reaction for each given equation by understanding the general characteristics of chemical and nuclear reactions.

1. For the reaction:
[tex]\[ Cl_2 + H_2 \rightarrow 2 HCl \][/tex]

- In this reaction, we are observing the formation of hydrochloric acid (HCl) from chlorine gas (Cl_2) and hydrogen gas (H_2).
- This process involves the breaking and forming of covalent bonds between the atoms of the reactants to form the products.

Key Characteristics:
- Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of electrons in the outer shells.
- The nuclei of the atoms involved do not change.

Thus, this reaction is a chemical reaction.

2. For the reaction:
[tex]\[ \frac{2}{1} H + \frac{3}{2} H \rightarrow \frac{4}{2} He + \frac{1}{0} n \][/tex]

- Here, two isotopes of hydrogen, deuterium ([tex]\( ^2/_1 H \)[/tex]) and tritium ([tex]\( ^3/_1 H \)[/tex]), undergo fusion to form helium ([tex]\( ^4/_2 He \)[/tex]) and a neutron ([tex]\( ^1/_0 n \)[/tex]).
- This reaction involves changes in the nuclei of the atoms, including the fusion of two lighter nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.

Key Characteristics:
- Nuclear reactions involve changes in the composition of the nucleus and often release a significant amount of energy.
- These reactions can involve processes like fusion, fission, or radioactive decay.

Thus, this reaction is a __nuclear__ reaction.

Summary:
1. The reaction [tex]\( Cl_2 + H_2 \rightarrow 2 HCl \)[/tex] represents a chemical reaction.
2. The reaction [tex]\( \frac{2}{1} H + \frac{3}{2} H \rightarrow \frac{4}{2} He + \frac{1}{0} n \)[/tex] represents a nuclear reaction.

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