Which describes nuclear fission?(1 point)
Responses
starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing two atoms to form one, heavier atom
starts when two atoms slam together, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
starts when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom
starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms
The correct answer is: starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms.
To understand why this is the correct answer, let's break down the process of nuclear fission and how it works:
1. Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus (core) of an atom is split into two or more smaller nuclei.
2. This process is initiated when a neutron (a subatomic particle with no charge) collides with the nucleus of an atom. This collision destabilizes the nucleus.
3. As a result of the collision, the nucleus of the atom undergoes fission by breaking apart into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process.
4. Additionally, the fission process often releases more neutrons, which can go on to collide with other atoms and start a chain reaction, leading to further fission events.
Based on this information, the correct description of nuclear fission is that it starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms.
The correct description of nuclear fission is:
"starts when a neutron slams into an atom, causing the larger atom to split into two smaller atoms."