Which statements describe ways that nuclear fission is different than nuclear fusion? Select the two correct answers.(1 point)
Responses
Nuclear fission is used to produce electricity at nuclear power plants.
Nuclear fission is used to produce electricity at nuclear power plants.
Nuclear fission involves one large atom splitting into two smaller atoms.
Nuclear fission involves one large atom splitting into two smaller atoms.
Nuclear fission takes place in the nucleus of an atom.
Nuclear fission takes place in the nucleus of an atom.
Nuclear fission releases a huge amount of energy.
Nuclear fission involves one large atom splitting into two smaller atoms and nuclear fission releases a huge amount of energy.
The correct statements are:
1. Nuclear fission involves one large atom splitting into two smaller atoms.
2. Nuclear fission releases a huge amount of energy.
The two correct statements that describe ways that nuclear fission is different from nuclear fusion are:
1) Nuclear fission involves one large atom splitting into two smaller atoms.
2) Nuclear fission releases a huge amount of energy.
To understand why these statements are correct, let's break it down:
1) Nuclear fission involves one large atom splitting into two smaller atoms:
Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239, is split into two smaller atomic nuclei. This split is usually triggered by the absorption of a neutron. The resulting smaller atoms are different elements and often have high atomic numbers.
2) Nuclear fission releases a huge amount of energy:
When a heavy nucleus splits, a significant amount of energy is released in the form of kinetic energy, gamma radiation, and the kinetic energy of the emitted neutrons. This energy release is what makes nuclear fission a potential source of power.
The other statements provided are repeated, but they do not compare nuclear fission to nuclear fusion. They simply describe the general characteristics of nuclear fission.
In contrast, nuclear fusion is a process in which two light atomic nuclei, usually isotopes of hydrogen like deuterium and tritium, combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process. Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the sun and other stars, but it has not yet been successfully harnessed for practical energy generation on Earth.