Which of the following is a nuclear change?
a) Fusion of helium
b) Combustion of methane
c) Reaction of sodium sulphate and barium hydroxide
d) Carbon dioxide dissolving in water
e) Water evaporating
a) Fusion of helium
are you sure?
Apologies for the incorrect response. Let me correct that:
a) Fusion of helium is indeed a nuclear change. In nuclear fusion, two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This process releases an enormous amount of energy and is the process by which stars, including the sun, generate their energy.
To determine which of the options is a nuclear change, we need to understand what nuclear changes are. Nuclear changes involve changes in the atomic nucleus and can result in the formation or release of different types of atoms or atomic particles.
Let's analyze each option:
a) Fusion of helium: Fusion is a nuclear process where two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. In the case of helium fusion, two helium atoms combine to form a heavier element, such as beryllium. This is indeed a nuclear change.
b) Combustion of methane: Combustion is a chemical process where a substance reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy. It does not involve any changes in the atomic nucleus, so this is not a nuclear change.
c) Reaction of sodium sulphate and barium hydroxide: Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms to form new substances. While this reaction can lead to the formation of new compounds, it does not involve any changes in the atomic nucleus, so this is not a nuclear change.
d) Carbon dioxide dissolving in water: Dissolution is a physical process where one substance disperses into another substance. In this case, carbon dioxide is dissolving in water, forming carbonic acid. This is a physical change and does not involve any changes in the atomic nucleus, so it is not a nuclear change.
e) Water evaporating: Evaporation is a physical process where a liquid changes into a gas due to heat. In the case of water evaporating, the molecules of water gain enough energy to break free from the liquid and become water vapor. This is a physical change and does not involve any changes in the atomic nucleus, so it is not a nuclear change.
Based on the analysis, the only option that represents a nuclear change is a) Fusion of helium.