Question

The diagram shows a model of a nuclear change.

An illustration of a nuclear reactor. There are 3 parallel lines sticking half out of the reactor labeled rods containing uranium. There are parallel rods in the reactor labeled neutron-absorbing material. It is labeled nuclear reactor.

Which nuclear process does the model illustrate?

A. nuclear fission, because nuclei combine
B. nuclear fission, because a nucleus breaks apart
C. nuclear fusion, because nuclei combine
D. nuclear fusion, because a nucleus breaks apart

Answer 1

B. nuclear fission, because a nucleus breaks apart

Step-by-step explanation:

The model illustrated in the diagram is most likely a nuclear reactor, which uses nuclear fission to generate energy. The presence of rods containing uranium and neutron-absorbing material suggests that the reactor is using a controlled chain reaction of nuclear fission to generate heat, which can then be used to produce steam and drive turbines to generate electricity.

Therefore, the correct answer is B, nuclear fission, because the process involves the splitting of a heavy nucleus, such as uranium, into two smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy and additional neutrons that can go on to trigger further fission reactions.