Which statements about nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are true? Select the two correct answers.
a. They both release large amounts of energy.
b. They both involve one atom splitting into two atoms.
c. They both involve two atoms fusing into one atom.
d. They both occur in the nucleus of an atom.
a. They both release large amounts of energy.
c. They both involve two atoms fusing into one atom.
The correct statements are:
a. They both release large amounts of energy.
d. They both occur in the nucleus of an atom.
To determine which statements about nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are true, let's examine each option individually:
a. They both release large amounts of energy.
This statement is true. Both nuclear fission and nuclear fusion reactions release large amounts of energy. In nuclear fission, the energy is released when a heavy nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei. In nuclear fusion, energy is released when lightweight nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus.
b. They both involve one atom splitting into two atoms.
This statement is only true for nuclear fission. In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus is split into two smaller nuclei along with the release of energy. This process is commonly utilized in nuclear power plants and atomic bombs.
c. They both involve two atoms fusing into one atom.
This statement is true. Nuclear fusion involves the combination of two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. This process is known as fusion, and it occurs in stars like our sun. Fusion reactions have the potential to provide a vast amount of clean energy, but achieving controlled fusion on Earth is still a significant scientific challenge.
d. They both occur in the nucleus of an atom.
This statement is only true for nuclear fission. In nuclear fission, the splitting of heavy nuclei occurs in the nucleus of an atom. However, in nuclear fusion, the fusion of lightweight nuclei occurs in a high-temperature plasma state, rather than within the nucleus itself.
Based on the explanations above, the two correct statements are:
a. They both release large amounts of energy.
c. They both involve two atoms fusing into one atom.