Which is one way to determine whether a reaction was a chemical reaction or a nuclear reaction?

One way to determine whether a reaction is chemical or nuclear is to examine the particles involved. In a chemical reaction, atoms rearrange to form new substances, but the nuclei of the atoms remain unchanged. In contrast, a nuclear reaction involves changes to the atomic nucleus, resulting in the transformation of one element into another, often accompanied by the release of significant energy and radiation. Observing such nuclear changes, like the emission of alpha or beta particles, indicates a nuclear reaction.