Nuclear Fission Quiz

The chain reaction results from the fission process -

• producing electrons that can then strike and split neighboring nuclei creating a reaction that releases energy due to a change in mass of the original atom.

• producing neutrons that can then strike and split neighboring nuclei creating a reaction that releases energy due to a change in mass of the original atom.

• producing protons that can then strike and split neighboring nuclei creating a reaction that releases energy due to a change in mass of the original atom.

• combining smaller-mass nuclei to form larger-mass nuclei creating a reaction that absorbs energy due to a change in mass of the original atom.

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Fusion and fission are both able to create energy due to the fact that they -

• release mass.

• provide radiation.

• destroy nuclei.

• create particles.

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Nuclear fission occurs when a nucleus -

• gains mass and loses energy.

• transforms into two elements.

• splits and releases energy.

• loses mass and loses energy.

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

During nuclear fission, mass is released in the form of neutrons. In order to conform to the concept of mass-energy, as system that undergoes fission must -

• gain mass and lose energy.

• transform into two elements.

• split and release energy.

• lose mass and lose energy.

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

The concept of mass equivalence explains nuclear reactions in that it describes how -

• energy is created during any phase change.

• a small amount of mass can generate a lot of energy.

• energy in motion can not be easily controlled.

• mass and energy are destroyed at the same rate.

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which of the following equations correctly represents how the total mass of an atom’s nucleus is calculated?

• protons + neutrons x c²

• binding energy + protons

• binding energy + protons + neutrons

• neutrons + protons + electrons

The energy that holds atoms together also -

• adds to their mass.

• cools them down.

• decreases their size.

• makes them radioactive.

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NGSS.HS-PS3-5

In one form of nuclear fusion, deuterium and tritium are combined. This releases helium and quite a large amount of energy. The energy is released because -

• helium’s nucleus has two protons.

• mass is being lost in the process.

• particles are moving at high speeds.

• deuterium and tritium have like charges.

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Why do most nuclei need to absorb a neutron before undergoing nuclear fission?

• Because nuclear fission rarely occurs spontaneously; absorbing a neutron makes the nucleus unstable, causing fission to occur.

• Because nuclei require an external force to split apart, provided by absorbing a neutron.

• Because neutrons are required to initiate the fission process by bombarding the nucleus.

• Because nuclei need to reach a critical mass before undergoing fission.

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Explain what is meant by a "chain reaction" in nuclear fission.

• A reaction involving a series of chemical reactions.

• A reaction where one nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei.

• A reaction where the neutrons produced from one fission reaction go on to cause more fission reactions.

• A reaction where energy is released in the form of gamma rays.

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