Answer:
The correct statement about the number of protons and neutrons in a nuclear change is: "The relative numbers of protons and neutrons can differ before and after the change, but the total number of those particles remains the same."
Step-by-step explanation:
In a nuclear change, the total number of protons and neutrons (also known as nucleons) remains constant, but the specific arrangement of those nucleons can change. This can be achieved through processes such as nuclear decay, where an unstable nucleus emits particles and becomes more stable, or through nuclear reactions, where two or more nuclei collide and rearrange to form new nuclei. In either case, the total number of protons and neutrons is conserved, but the specific numbers of protons and neutrons in the resulting nuclei can be different from the original nuclei.
It's important to note that the total atomic mass (also known as the atomic weight) and total charge of a nucleus can change as a result of a nuclear change. The atomic mass is determined by the total number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus, so it will be different if the relative numbers of those particles change. The total charge of a nucleus is determined by the number of protons, so it will be different if the number of protons changes.