Compared to an ordinary chemical reaction, a fission reaction will:
a
absorb a smaller amount of energy.
b
absorb a larger amount of energy.
c
release a smaller amount of energy.
d
release a larger amount of energy.
d) release a larger amount of energy.
D) Release a larger amount of energy.
To compare a fission reaction to an ordinary chemical reaction in terms of energy release, we need to understand the basic difference between the two.
An ordinary chemical reaction involves the rearrangement of atoms or molecules to form new chemical compounds. These reactions typically involve breaking and forming bonds between atoms. The energy changes in ordinary chemical reactions are relatively small and are typically measured in kilojoules (kJ).
On the other hand, a fission reaction involves the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus, such as uranium or plutonium, into two or more smaller nuclei. This process releases a significant amount of energy in the form of radiation and kinetic energy of the fission products. The energy released in a fission reaction is typically measured in millions of electron volts (MeV) or even in kilotons of TNT equivalent.
Therefore, compared to an ordinary chemical reaction, a fission reaction will release a much larger amount of energy. The correct option is d. release a larger amount of energy.