Which describes nuclear fission?(1 point)
Responses
starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing two atoms to form one, heavier atom
starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing two atoms to form one, heavier atom
starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom
starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
The correct answer is:
starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
The correct answer is: "starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms." This process is called nuclear fission.
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand what nuclear fission is. Nuclear fission is a reaction in which the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of a large amount of energy. It is typically initiated by the collision of a neutron with an atomic nucleus.
Looking at the responses, we can eliminate options 1 and 4 because they suggest that the two atoms come together to form one heavier atom, which is the opposite of nuclear fission.
Option 2 correctly states that nuclear fission starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms. This is the correct answer.
Therefore, the answer is: "starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms."