What change will always take place during nuclear fission?
• A nucleus will take in energy in large amounts, increasing its mass
• The nucleus with the largest mass will split into two or more relatively large pieces
• Several nuclei will combine into one nuclei
• Nuclei will be produced with much larger mass numbers
The nucleus with the largest mass will split into two or more relatively large pieces.
The correct answer is: The nucleus with the largest mass will split into two or more relatively large pieces.
The correct answer is: The nucleus with the largest mass will split into two or more relatively large pieces.
Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei. This process is accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy. When a heavy nucleus absorbs a neutron, it becomes unstable and breaks apart, forming smaller nuclei. This splitting usually happens asymmetrically, resulting in two or more relatively large pieces.
To determine the correct change that takes place during nuclear fission, we can analyze the given options:
1. A nucleus will take in energy in large amounts, increasing its mass: This statement is incorrect. During nuclear fission, the breaking apart of a nucleus releases energy, rather than absorbing it.
2. The nucleus with the largest mass will split into two or more relatively large pieces: This statement is correct. The nucleus that undergoes fission is typically a heavy and unstable nucleus, which splits into smaller fragments.
3. Several nuclei will combine into one nucleus: This statement is incorrect. The process described here is nuclear fusion, where multiple light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.
4. Nuclei will be produced with much larger mass numbers: This statement is incorrect. The mass numbers of the resulting nuclei in fission are usually smaller than that of the original nucleus.
Therefore, option 2 - The nucleus with the largest mass will split into two or more relatively large pieces - is the correct answer.