Question

The nucleus of an atom can be split into smaller components by what kind of process?

A) physical process
B) chemical process
C) melting
D) none of the above

Answer 1

The nucleus of an atom is split into smaller components through nuclear fission, which involves absorbing a neutron and splitting the nucleus, releasing energy and producing more stable nucleoids.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nucleus of an atom can be split into smaller components by a process known as nuclear fission. This is neither a physical process, like melting or tearing paper, nor a chemical process where the chemical composition changes through reactions. Instead, nuclear fission involves breaking down the nucleus of an atom by absorbing a neutron, causing the atom to deform and split into smaller, more stable nucleoids, while releasing a significant amount of energy and some neutrons. The physical process only involves changes in the state of matter without altering its composition, and chemical processes result in the formation of new substances, thus, neither applies to nuclear fission.