It is possible to make a model of a fission chain reaction with mousetraps and table tennis balls, with the balls placed on an armed trap. Which statement best explains why this is a good model?
A. The table tennis balls represent nuclei that are split by protons and release energy.
B. The table tennis balls represent nuclei that are split by neutrons and release energy.
C. The table tennis ball represent neutrons that are released when the nucleus splits and cause other nuclei to split.
D. The table tennis ball represent protons that are released when the nucleus splits and cause other nuclei to split.
C. The table tennis ball represent neutrons that are released when the nucleus splits and cause other nuclei to split.
C. The table tennis ball represents neutrons that are released when the nucleus splits and cause other nuclei to split.
To determine the best explanation, let's break down the options and analyze each one:
A. The table tennis balls represent nuclei that are split by protons and release energy.
B. The table tennis balls represent nuclei that are split by neutrons and release energy.
C. The table tennis balls represent neutrons that are released when the nucleus splits and cause other nuclei to split.
D. The table tennis balls represent protons that are released when the nucleus splits and cause other nuclei to split.
In a fission chain reaction, a nucleus is split into smaller fragments, releasing energy and typically additional neutrons. These additional neutrons can then collide with other nuclei, causing them to undergo fission as well.
Option A suggests that the table tennis balls represent nuclei split by protons, which is not accurate. Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus, and they do not split the nucleus in a fission reaction.
Option B states that the table tennis balls represent nuclei split by neutrons, which is more accurate. Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus, and in a fission chain reaction, they collide with the nucleus to split it.
Option C correctly describes the role of neutrons released during fission. When a nucleus splits, it releases additional neutrons, which can go on to split other nuclei in a chain reaction. However, in this model, the table tennis balls themselves represent the nuclei, not the neutrons.
Option D suggests that the table tennis balls represent protons that are released during fission, but protons are not released or involved in the fission process. So, option D is inaccurate.
Based on the given model, the best explanation is option C. The table tennis balls represent nuclei that split during fission, and those splittings release neutrons that can go on to split other nuclei.