Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a characteristic of nuclear fission?
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21. Nuclear Chemistry
Nuclear Binding Energy
Multiple Choice
In the context of nuclear reactors, what is the primary effect of neutron absorption by a nucleus?
A
It converts the nucleus into a stable isotope without releasing energy.
B
It can cause the nucleus to undergo fission, releasing energy.
C
It decreases the number of protons in the nucleus.
D
It always increases the nuclear binding energy of the nucleus.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that neutron absorption by a nucleus means a neutron is captured by the nucleus, increasing its neutron number by one.
Recognize that this absorption can make the nucleus unstable, potentially causing it to split into smaller nuclei, a process called fission.
Recall that nuclear fission releases a significant amount of energy due to the conversion of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's equation \(E=mc^{2}\).
Note that neutron absorption does not necessarily convert the nucleus into a stable isotope; instead, it often leads to instability and fission in fissile materials.
Understand that neutron absorption does not decrease the number of protons, nor does it always increase nuclear binding energy; its primary effect in reactors is to induce fission and release energy.
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