How do nuclear reactions differ from ordinary chemical reactions?

Step by Step Solution: Step 1. Nuclear reactions involve changes in the nucleus of an atom, while ordinary chemical reactions involve changes in the electron configuration of atoms. Step 2. Nuclear reactions involve large amounts of energy being released or absorbed, while ordinary chemical reactions have much lower energy changes. Step 3. Nuclear reactions can involve the conversion of one element into another, while ordinary chemical reactions cannot change the identity of an element. Step 4. Nuclear reactions are usually much faster than ordinary chemical reactions. Step 5. Nuclear reactions can produce harmful radiation and radioactive waste, while ordinary chemical reactions generally do not have these risks.