What is nuclear fission?A.The formation of an ionB.The splitting of a nucleusC.The gain of nuclear massD.The joining of nucleiSUBMITarrow_backPREVIOUS

Understanding Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is a fundamental process in nuclear physics. It refers to the reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, often producing a significant amount of energy in the process. This splitting is typically induced by the absorption of a neutron.

Given the options:

• A. The formation of an ion
• B. The splitting of a nucleus
• C. The gain of nuclear mass
• D. The joining of nuclei

Analysis of Options

1. Formation of an Ion (A): This option refers to the creation of charged particles when an atom loses or gains electrons, which is unrelated to fission.
2. Splitting of a Nucleus (B): This accurately describes nuclear fission, where a heavy nucleus divides into lighter nuclei, along with the release of energy.
3. Gain of Nuclear Mass (C): This does not apply, as fission actually results in a loss of mass, converted to energy.
4. Joining of Nuclei (D): This describes nuclear fusion, not fission.

Final Answer

The correct answer is B. The splitting of a nucleus.