Which phrase describes a nuclear chain reaction? (1 point)
a type of reaction which only takes place in the sun and other stars
a reaction in which particles spontaneously emit radiation
a series of reactions in which particles from one reaction trigger the next reaction
a reaction in which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus
a series of reactions in which particles from one reaction trigger the next reaction
The phrase that describes a nuclear chain reaction is: "a series of reactions in which particles from one reaction trigger the next reaction."
The correct answer is:
a series of reactions in which particles from one reaction trigger the next reaction.
To arrive at this answer, let's break down the options:
1. "A type of reaction which only takes place in the sun and other stars" is not the correct answer because a nuclear chain reaction can occur in various settings, not just in the sun and stars.
2. "A reaction in which particles spontaneously emit radiation" does not describe a nuclear chain reaction because it refers to the spontaneous emission of radiation, which is not a characteristic of a chain reaction.
3. "A reaction in which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus" is not the correct answer either because it describes nuclear fusion, not a chain reaction.
4. "A series of reactions in which particles from one reaction trigger the next reaction" is the correct answer. A nuclear chain reaction is a self-sustaining reaction where the products of one reaction act as the fuel for subsequent reactions, creating a continuous chain of reactions.
So, by understanding the definitions and processes involved in nuclear reactions, we can identify the correct answer to this question.