1. Massive amounts of destructive energy are released when a nuclear fission bomb explodes. Where does that energy come from?
a) A chain reaction occurs when uranium atoms split, releasing nuclear energy.
b) Molecules break down, releasing chemical energy.
c) Hydrogen atoms fuse together into helium, releasing nuclear energy.
d) Molecules are created, releasing chemical energy.
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2. What does Einstein's famous equation for nuclear energy, E = mc2, mean?
a) Mass and energy are produced in a nuclear reaction.
b) Mass and energy are destroyed in a nuclear reaction.
c) Some mass is converted into energy in a nuclear reaction.
d) Some mass and energy are lost in a nuclear reaction.
1. The correct answer is a) A chain reaction occurs when uranium atoms split, releasing nuclear energy.
In a nuclear fission bomb, the explosive energy comes from a chain reaction that occurs when the nucleus of a uranium atom is split. This process is known as nuclear fission. When a neutron collides with the nucleus of a heavy atom like uranium, it causes the nucleus to become unstable and split into two smaller nuclei. This splitting releases a significant amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. Additionally, more neutrons are also released in the process, which can then collide with other uranium atoms and trigger a chain reaction, releasing even more energy.
2. The correct answer is c) Some mass is converted into energy in a nuclear reaction.
Einstein's equation, E = mc2, relates energy (E) to mass (m) and the speed of light (c). It states that a small amount of mass can be converted into a large amount of energy. In a nuclear reaction, such as nuclear fission or nuclear fusion, a small portion of the mass of atomic nuclei is converted into energy. This conversion is due to the immense binding energy that holds the nucleus together. When this binding energy is released, it is transformed into the form of energy, as described by Einstein's equation.
1. The correct answer is a) A chain reaction occurs when uranium atoms split, releasing nuclear energy.
When a nuclear fission bomb explodes, the energy is primarily derived from the process of nuclear fission. Nuclear fission occurs when the nucleus of an atom, in this case uranium atoms, is split into two smaller nuclei. This splitting generates a tremendous amount of energy.
In a nuclear fission bomb, the chain reaction begins with a small amount of fissile material, such as highly enriched uranium or plutonium, which is brought together to form a critical mass. When a neutron strikes the nucleus of a fissile atom, it causes the atom to become unstable and split, releasing more neutrons and additional energy. These released neutrons can then go on to strike other fissile atoms, initiating a chain reaction.
As each fission event occurs, a significant amount of energy is released in the form of thermal energy, kinetic energy of the fragments, and radiation. This release of energy is what causes the destructive force of a nuclear explosion.
2. The correct answer is c) Some mass is converted into energy in a nuclear reaction.
Einstein's famous equation, E = mc2, relates energy (E) to mass (m) and the speed of light (c). This equation demonstrates that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa.
In a nuclear reaction, such as nuclear fission or nuclear fusion, a small amount of mass is converted into a significant amount of energy. According to the equation, the conversion factor is the speed of light squared, which is an extremely large number. This means that even a small amount of mass can produce a tremendous amount of energy.
Essentially, the equation shows that mass and energy are interchangeable, and the conversion from mass to energy can release an enormous amount of energy. This understanding is crucial in explaining the energy release in nuclear reactions, including nuclear bombs and nuclear power plants.