Can I use "whether" instead of "if" in this sentence?

In the past, some experts wondered if Tut died in a chariot crash.

Can I use whether to take the place of "if" in this sentence?

Answer

The replacement is always tricky! It depends on the context. The meaning may change entirely if we interchange if and whether in all cases. Here is the general rule -

Use whether to show that there are two possible alternatives and use if if you have a conditional sentence.

For example:

In the past, some experts wondered whether Tut died in a chariot crash or from food poisoning.

In that case, we use whether, because the sentences is discussing two alternatives. However, in your case, it's interchangeable.

Useful information here.