Fission chain reactions in uranium are sustained by neutrons, each of which is released by one fission and may induce a subsequent fission. Each fission also releases other particles, which include protons. However, proton-containing fission fragments are not as effective at causing subsequent fissions because they
A) are not massive enough to cause fissions in uranium.
B) are repelled as they try to approach other uranium nuclei.
C) do not exert any forces on the uranium nuclei they encounter.
D) are not hot enough to make a uranium nucleus boil.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Protons are positively charged and are repelled by the positively charged nuclei of uranium atoms, making it difficult for them to induce subsequent fissions.

Fission Chain Reactions in Uranium Are Sustained by Neutrons, Each