Which of the following is correct for the nuclear fission reaction?

Choose one answer.
a. The mass of the daughter nucleus is always greater than the mass of the parent nucleus.
b. The mass of the daughter nucleus is always less than the mass of the parent nucleus.
c. The mass of the daughter nucleus is always equal to the mass of the parent nucleus.
d. The mass of the daughter nucleus is always two times less than the mass of the parent nucleus.

b. There are two "daughter" nuclei in fission. The sum of their masses is less than that of the parent.

The correct answer is:

b. The mass of the daughter nucleus is always less than the mass of the parent nucleus.

To determine the correct answer for the nuclear fission reaction, we need to understand the concept of mass conservation in nuclear reactions.

During a nuclear fission reaction, a heavy nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei, called daughter nuclei. According to the Law of Conservation of Mass, the total mass of the reactants should be equal to the total mass of the products.

Now, let's evaluate each option:

a. The mass of the daughter nucleus is always greater than the mass of the parent nucleus.
This option is incorrect based on the Law of Conservation of Mass, as the total mass must remain the same. The sum of the daughter nuclei's masses cannot be greater than the mass of the parent nucleus.

b. The mass of the daughter nucleus is always less than the mass of the parent nucleus.
This option is plausible, as the daughter nuclei result from the splitting of the heavier parent nucleus. However, it is not always the case that the mass of the daughter nucleus is smaller than the mass of the parent nucleus. In some cases, the masses may be equal or slightly greater.

c. The mass of the daughter nucleus is always equal to the mass of the parent nucleus.
This option is also incorrect based on the Law of Conservation of Mass. The total mass of the products must remain the same as the mass of the parent nucleus. Therefore, the masses of the daughter nuclei cannot be equal to the mass of the parent nucleus.

d. The mass of the daughter nucleus is always two times less than the mass of the parent nucleus.
This option is unsupported and does not align with the principles of nuclear fission. The mass ratio between the parent nucleus and the daughter nuclei can vary depending on the specific elements involved, but it is not always a fixed value.

Based on the evaluation, none of the options accurately describe the relationship between the masses of the parent and daughter nuclei in a nuclear fission reaction.