In a nuclear fission reaction,
A) one nucleus splits into two equal halves.
B) one nucleus splits into two parts, neither daughter having a mass close to the parent.
C) one nucleus splits into two parts, one very small and one almost the same mass as the parent.
D) two nuclei combine to form a single, more massive nucleus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a nuclear fission reaction, a large and unstable nucleus breaks apart into two fragments, typically with different masses. These fragments are not typically equal in mass, and neither is similar to the parent nucleus. Therefore, option B is the correct answer. Option A describes nuclear fusion, while option D describes nuclear fusion. Option C is not a valid description of nuclear fission.

In a Nuclear Fission Reaction