Which of the following statements is TRUE about nuclear fission process? Read ALL statement carefully Select one:
A. Large amounts of energy are released when a nuclear reaction occurs.
B. Very high temperatures are required to initiate the reaction.
C. less radioactive waste is produced
D. Hydrogen nuclei are the reactants E. All statements are true.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Large amounts of energy are released when a nuclear reaction occurs.
Explanation:
Nuclear fission is the process by which the nucleus of an atom splits into two smaller nuclei, along with the release of a significant amount of energy, neutrons, and radiation. This reaction is typically initiated when a heavy nucleus like Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239 absorbs a neutron, causing it to become unstable and split into smaller fragments. The energy released is enormous and is the principle behind nuclear power plants and atomic bombs.
Let’s break down the other options:
- B. Very high temperatures are required to initiate the reaction:
While nuclear fusion (the process that powers the sun) requires extremely high temperatures, nuclear fission does not. Fission can be initiated by bombarding a fissile material (like Uranium-235) with a neutron at room temperature, making this statement incorrect in the context of fission. - C. Less radioactive waste is produced:
In reality, nuclear fission produces a significant amount of radioactive waste, particularly in the form of spent fuel rods, which remain highly radioactive for thousands of years. Therefore, this statement is false. - D. Hydrogen nuclei are the reactants:
This statement describes the process of nuclear fusion, not fission. In fusion, hydrogen nuclei (protons) combine to form helium, releasing energy. In fission, heavy elements like uranium or plutonium are the reactants, not hydrogen. - E. All statements are true:
Since not all the statements are correct, this option is false.
In conclusion, the most accurate statement about the fission process is that it releases large amounts of energy, which is harnessed for power generation or military applications.