What is the process called when a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei?
Correct Answer: Nuclear fission
- Step 1: Understand that a nucleus is the center of an atom, made up of protons and neutrons.
- Step 2: Recognize that some heavy nuclei, like uranium or plutonium, can be unstable.
- Step 3: Learn that when a heavy nucleus absorbs a neutron, it can become even more unstable.
- Step 4: Know that this instability can cause the heavy nucleus to split into two smaller nuclei.
- Step 5: Realize that this splitting process releases a large amount of energy.
- Step 6: Identify that this entire process is called nuclear fission.
No concepts available.
