Question

Which phrase best describes nuclear fusion?(1 point)

the process by which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus

a series of reactions in which particles from one reaction trigger the next reaction

the process by which a large nucleus is divided into smaller nuclei

the spontaneous emission of radiation from an unstable nucleus

Which phrase describes a nuclear chain reaction?
a reaction in which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus

a reaction in which particles spontaneously emit radiation

a type of reaction which only takes place in the sun and other stars

a series of reactions in which particles from one reaction trigger the next reaction

Which option would be an appropriate model of nuclear fission?(1 point)

taking a teaspoon of sugar from a bowl

cutting a cake in half

disturbing a drop of water such that it breaks into smaller droplets

dividing a stack of paper equally between two people

The process of radioactive decay is unpredictable and irreversible. Which option would be an appropriate model of the radioactive decay of a group of atoms?

petals falling from a flower

throwing tennis balls over a fence

breaking off pieces of wet clay

popping a bag of popcorn

Which statement best describes the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus?

The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.

The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.

The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.

The resulting nucleus is less stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus must be of the same element as the original.

Answer 1

Nuclear fusion is when small nuclei combine to form a larger nucleus, whereas nuclear chain reactions involve successive reactions triggered by preceding ones. Nuclear fission is analogous to cutting a cake, and radioactive decay is like petals falling from a flower. Following radioactive decay, the new nucleus is more stable and can be of a different element.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phrase that best describes nuclear fusion is 'the process by which small nuclei combine into a larger nucleus'. For a nuclear chain reaction, the accurate description is 'a series of reactions in which particles from one reaction trigger the next reaction'. An appropriate model to illustrate nuclear fission could be 'cutting a cake in half' since it represents one entity being divided into smaller parts. When looking at the unpredictable and irreversible process of radioactive decay, 'petals falling from a flower' is a suitable analogy as it represents a random and unidirectional process. Lastly, after radioactive decay, 'The resulting nucleus is more stable than the original nucleus. The nucleus can be of a different element than the original.' is the statement that best describes the effect of radioactive decay on a nucleus.