Which phrase best describes nuclear fusion?(1 point)
Responses
a series of reactions in which particles from one reaction trigger the next reaction
a series of reactions in which particles from one reaction trigger the next reaction
the spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus
the spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus
the process by which a large nucleus is divided into smaller nuclei
the process by which a large nucleus is divided into smaller nuclei
the process by which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus
the process by which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus
Which phrase describes a nuclear chain reaction?(1 point)
Responses
a reaction in which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus
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
a series of reactions in which particles from one reaction trigger the next reaction
a type of reaction which only takes place in the sun and other stars
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
Which option would be an appropriate model of nuclear fission?(1 point)
Responses
cutting a cake in half
cutting a cake in half
taking a teaspoon of sugar from a bowl
taking a teaspoon of sugar from a bowl
disturbing a drop of water such that it breaks into smaller droplets
disturbing a drop of water such that it breaks into smaller droplets
dividing a stack of paper equally between two people
cutting a cake in half
The process of radioactive decay is unpredictable and irreversible. Which option would be an appropriate model of the radioactive decay of a group of atoms?(1 point)
Responses
breaking off pieces of wet clay
breaking off pieces of wet clay
throwing tennis balls over a fence
throwing tennis balls over a fence
popping a bag of popcorn
popping a bag of popcorn
petals falling from a flower
petals falling from a flower
Modeling Nuclear Processes Quick Check
5 of 55 of 5 Items
Question
Which statement best describes the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus?(1 point)
Responses
The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.
The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.
The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.
The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.
The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.
The phrase that best describes nuclear fusion is: "the process by which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus". This involves the fusion or joining together of two or more small atomic nuclei to form a single, larger nucleus. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy, as predicted by Einstein's famous equation E=mc², where E represents energy, m represents mass, and c represents the speed of light.
To determine the correct answer, it is helpful to understand the concept of nuclear fusion and its characteristics. Nuclear fusion is the opposite process of nuclear fission, in which a large nucleus is divided into smaller nuclei. In nuclear fusion, multiple small atomic nuclei, typically isotopes of hydrogen, come together to form a single, more massive nucleus. This process occurs at extremely high temperatures and pressures, such as those found in the core of stars or in experimental fusion reactors.
By understanding the definition and characteristics of nuclear fusion, we can eliminate the other responses as incorrect descriptions. The first option suggests a series of chain reactions, which is actually more characteristic of nuclear fission. The second option describes the spontaneous emission of radiation, which is associated with radioactive decay, not fusion. The third option accurately describes the process of nuclear fission, where large nuclei are divided into smaller ones through various mechanisms.
Therefore, the correct answer is the process by which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus.