Which describes nuclear fission?

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 to form one, heavier atom 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

Nuclear fission starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms.

The correct description of nuclear fission is: it starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms.

To arrive at this answer, you need to understand that nuclear fission is a process where the nucleus of an atom splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. The process is initiated by a neutron colliding with a large atom, such as uranium or plutonium, causing it to become unstable and split into two smaller atoms. This splitting of the nucleus releases additional neutrons and a significant amount of energy, which can be harnessed for practical purposes.