Which process occurs when one nucleus splits to form two smaller nuclei?
a
fusion
b
fission
c
both
d
neither
b. fission
The process that occurs when one nucleus splits to form two smaller nuclei is called fission.
To arrive at this answer, we can eliminate options that are not applicable.
- Option a - "fusion" refers to the process where two smaller nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus, which is not what is described in the question.
- Option c - "both" suggests that both fusion and fission occur when one nucleus splits, which is incorrect.
- Option d - "neither" implies that none of the given options are correct, which is not the case.
Therefore, the correct answer is option b - "fission."