which describes nuclear fission?
a. starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the two atoms to form one, heavier atom
b. starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom
c. starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
d. starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
c. starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
The correct answer is c. Nuclear fission starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms.
The correct answer is option c. Nuclear fission starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms.
To arrive at this answer, let's examine the process of nuclear fission.
Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei. This process involves the absorption of a neutron by a heavy nucleus, which becomes unstable and splits apart.
To determine the correct description of nuclear fission, we can eliminate incorrect options by analyzing the given statements:
Option a. starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the two atoms to form one, heavier atom - This statement is incorrect as nuclear fission does not result in the formation of a heavier atom, but rather two smaller atoms.
Option b. starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom - This statement is also incorrect as nuclear fission involves the splitting of an atom, not the fusion of two atoms into a heavier atom.
Option c. starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms - This statement correctly describes nuclear fission. When a neutron strikes a heavy atom, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, it causes that atom to split into two smaller atoms, releasing additional neutrons as well as a significant amount of energy.
Option d. starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms - This statement is incorrect because nuclear fission does not require two atoms to collide but instead involves a neutron colliding with an atom.
We conclude that option c accurately describes the process of nuclear fission, according to the given options.