Which phrase describes nuclear fission?(1 point)
Responses
the process by which a large nucleus divides into smaller nuclei
the process by which a large nucleus divides into smaller nuclei
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 process by which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus
the process by which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus
the spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus
the process by which a large nucleus divides into smaller nuclei
The phrase that describes nuclear fission is:
- The process by which a large nucleus divides into smaller nuclei.
The correct answer is:
The process by which a large nucleus divides into smaller nuclei
To arrive at this answer, we can eliminate the other options through a process of elimination.
- The second option, "a series of reactions in which particles from one reaction trigger the next reaction," does not accurately describe nuclear fission but rather describes a chain reaction, which can occur as a result of nuclear fission.
- The third option, "the process by which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus," is actually describing nuclear fusion, not nuclear fission. Nuclear fusion is the process of combining small atomic nuclei to form a larger nucleus, whereas nuclear fission is the process of a large nucleus splitting into smaller nuclei.
- The fourth option, "the spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus," describes a different nuclear process known as radioactive decay, where an unstable nucleus emits particles or radiation to become more stable.
Therefore, the only option that accurately describes nuclear fission is the first option: "the process by which a large nucleus divides into smaller nuclei."