Which statement is correct about nuclear FISSION?
Nuclear fission only occurs in stars
Nuclear fission occurs when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom
nuclear fission occurs in the nuclei of atoms
nuclear fission is commonly fueled by iron
The statement "nuclear fission occurs in the nuclei of atoms" is correct.
The correct statement about nuclear fission is that it occurs in the nuclei of atoms.
The correct statement about nuclear fission is:
"Nuclear fission occurs in the nuclei of atoms."
To arrive at this answer, we can break down each statement and eliminate the incorrect options:
1. "Nuclear fission only occurs in stars": This statement is incorrect. While nuclear fusion, not fission, is the primary source of energy for stars, nuclear fission can occur in certain conditions on Earth, such as in nuclear power plants or during nuclear weapon explosions.
2. "Nuclear fission occurs when two atoms slam together to form one, heavier atom": This statement describes nuclear fusion, not fission. Nuclear fission, by definition, involves the splitting of an atomic nucleus into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of a significant amount of energy.
3. "Nuclear fission occurs in the nuclei of atoms": This statement is correct. Nuclear fission takes place within the nuclei of heavy atoms, typically uranium-235 or plutonium-239. These nuclei are bombarded with neutrons, causing them to become unstable and split into two smaller nuclei, releasing additional neutrons and a large amount of energy.
4. "Nuclear fission is commonly fueled by iron": This statement is incorrect. Iron is not typically used as fuel in nuclear fission reactions. Instead, fuels such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239 undergo fission reactions to release energy. Iron is more often a product of nuclear fusion reactions occurring in stars.