Which statement correctly compares chemical reactions with nuclear reactions?

• A. Chemical reactions can change one element into another, but nuclear reactions cannot.
• B. Nuclear reactions do not release energy, whereas chemical reactions always do.
• C. Chemical reactions involve changes in electron arrangements, while nuclear reactions involve changes in the nucleus of atoms.
• D. Both chemical and nuclear reactions involve only the rearrangement of electrons.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of electrons in atoms or molecules without changing the nuclei of the atoms involved.
2. Recognize that nuclear reactions involve changes in the nucleus of an atom, which can result in the transformation of one element into another.
3. Recall that chemical reactions typically involve breaking and forming chemical bonds, which changes how atoms are connected but does not change the identity of the elements themselves.
4. Note that nuclear reactions can release or absorb much larger amounts of energy compared to chemical reactions due to changes in nuclear binding energy.
5. Compare the given statements by identifying that the correct distinction is that chemical reactions involve electron rearrangements, while nuclear reactions involve changes in the atomic nucleus.