Which statement is correct about nuclear FISSION?
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1 point
Nuclear fission only occurs in stars.
Nuclear fission occurs when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom
nuclear fission occurs in the nuclei of atoms
nuclear fission is commonly fueled by iron
Nuclear fission occurs in the nuclei of atoms.
The correct statement about nuclear fission is that it occurs in the nuclei of atoms.
The correct statement about nuclear fission is: "Nuclear fission occurs in the nuclei of atoms."
To understand why this statement is correct, let's break down each option:
1. "Nuclear fission only occurs in stars": This statement is incorrect. While nuclear fusion occurs in stars, nuclear fission also occurs in various situations on Earth, such as in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs.
2. "Nuclear fission occurs when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom": This statement describes nuclear fusion. In nuclear fission, the nucleus of an atom splits into two smaller nuclei.
3. "Nuclear fission occurs in the nuclei of atoms": This statement is correct. Nuclear fission is a process where a large, unstable nucleus of an atom (such as uranium or plutonium) is bombarded with a neutron, causing it to split into two smaller nuclei, release energy, and additional neutrons.
4. "Nuclear fission is commonly fueled by iron": This statement is incorrect. Iron is not commonly used as a fuel in nuclear fission reactions. Instead, elements like uranium-235, plutonium-239, and others are commonly used as fuel in nuclear power plants.
Therefore, option 3, "Nuclear fission occurs in the nuclei of atoms," is the correct statement.