Nuclear Fission Review

What is nuclear fission?

• The process of splitting an atom into two smaller atoms

• The process of combining two atoms into one larger atom

• The process of burning petroleum products

• The process of freezing atoms

Answer explanation

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting an atom into two smaller atoms, releasing a significant amount of energy. This distinguishes it from fusion, which combines atoms, and other processes like burning or freezing.

How does the energy released by nuclear fission compare to the energy released by chemical reactions?

• It is about the same

• It is a million times more

• It is half as much

• It is less than chemical reactions

Answer explanation

Nuclear fission releases energy through the splitting of atomic nuclei, which is about a million times more energy than typical chemical reactions that involve electron interactions. This significant difference highlights the power of nuclear processes.

What principle do nuclear reactions, like chemical reactions, follow?

• Conservation of energy and mass

• Conservation of temperature

• Conservation of electricity

• Conservation of volume

Answer explanation

Nuclear reactions, like chemical reactions, follow the principle of conservation of energy and mass, meaning that the total energy and mass before and after the reaction remain constant.

What does the process of nuclear fission involve?

• A large atom splits into two smaller atoms, releasing neutrons and energy.

• Two small atoms combine to form a larger atom, releasing energy.

• A large atom absorbs energy and becomes stable.

• Neutrons are absorbed by a small atom, causing it to shrink.

Answer explanation

The correct choice describes nuclear fission accurately, where a large atom splits into two smaller atoms, releasing neutrons and energy. This process is fundamental in nuclear reactions, unlike fusion or absorption scenarios.

How does the energy produced by converting one gram of mass in nuclear fission compare to burning gasoline?

• It is equal to burning 700,000 gallons of high-octane gasoline.

• It is less than burning 700,000 gallons of high-octane gasoline.

• It is equal to burning 7,000 gallons of high-octane gasoline.

• It is equal to burning 70,000 gallons of high-octane gasoline.

Answer explanation

The energy from converting one gram of mass in nuclear fission is immense, equating to burning 700,000 gallons of high-octane gasoline, highlighting the efficiency of nuclear energy compared to fossil fuels.

How do nuclear power plants differ from most conventional power plants in generating electricity?

• They use the thermal energy from nuclear-fission reactions instead of burning fossil fuels to boil water.

• They use solar panels to generate electricity.

• They use wind turbines to generate electricity.

• They use geothermal energy to boil water.

Answer explanation

Nuclear power plants generate electricity by using thermal energy from nuclear fission reactions to heat water, unlike conventional plants that burn fossil fuels for the same purpose.

At approximately what temperature did hydrogen atoms begin fusing into helium in the Sun?

• 1,000 °C

• 15 million °C

• 100,000 °C

• 500,000 °C

Answer explanation

Hydrogen atoms begin fusing into helium in the Sun at approximately 15 million °C. This high temperature is necessary to overcome the repulsive forces between positively charged protons.

What is the main result of the nuclear-fusion reactions occurring in the Sun?

• Conversion of helium nuclei into hydrogen nuclei

• Conversion of hydrogen nuclei into helium nuclei

• Conversion of oxygen nuclei into carbon nuclei

• Conversion of carbon nuclei into nitrogen nuclei

Answer explanation

The main result of nuclear fusion in the Sun is the conversion of hydrogen nuclei into helium nuclei. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy, which powers the Sun and provides light and heat to our solar system.

What role does high temperature play in the fusion process in the Sun?

• It cools down the nuclei

• It gives nuclei kinetic energy to overcome repulsion

• It causes the nuclei to repel more strongly

• It prevents fusion from occurring

Answer explanation

High temperature in the Sun provides nuclei with the kinetic energy needed to overcome the electrostatic repulsion between positively charged protons, allowing fusion to occur.

Consider the scientific, social, and ethical questions raised by nuclear energy. What should be considered when weighing the risks and benefits of nuclear fusion?

• Only the scientific benefits

• Only the cost of building reactors

• Both the potential benefits and the risks, including scientific, social, and ethical factors

• Only the amount of radioactive waste produced

Answer explanation

When weighing the risks and benefits of nuclear fusion, it's crucial to consider both potential benefits and risks, including scientific advancements, social implications, and ethical concerns, rather than focusing on a single aspect.