Which of the following descriptions best describes the process by which energy is released in a conventional nuclear reactor?
A) The radiation given off by a naturally radioactive substance, uranium, is collected and used to make steam.
B) Uranium is reacted with oxygen in a combustion process that releases large amounts of radioactivity and heat.
C) Deuterium and tritium are joined together to form helium.
D) Uranium, when bombarded by neutrons, splits into fragments and releases two or three neutrons, and these neutrons in turn strike more uranium nuclei that split, thereby setting off a chain reaction that releases energy.
E) A uranium nucleus is energized to an excited state by neutron irradiation, and it then decays by emitting beta rays and gamma rays that heat water and create steam.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a conventional nuclear reactor, the process of nuclear fission occurs where uranium nuclei are bombarded by neutrons that cause them to split into fragments and release energy in the form of heat. This process also releases two or three neutrons, which can go on to split more uranium nuclei, setting off a chain reaction that releases even more energy. The heat generated by this process is used to boil water and create steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.

Which of the Following Descriptions Best Describes the Process by Which