Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the effect of supercritical mass on a nuclear reaction?
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21. Nuclear Chemistry
Nuclear Binding Energy
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?
A
Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, while nuclear fusion is the combining of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus.
B
Nuclear fusion produces radioactive waste, while nuclear fission does not.
C
Nuclear fission releases less energy per reaction than nuclear fusion.
D
Nuclear fission occurs only in stars, while nuclear fusion occurs only in nuclear reactors.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the definitions of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Nuclear fission is the process where a heavy atomic nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing energy.
Step 2: Recognize that nuclear fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, also releasing energy.
Step 3: Compare the energy released in both processes. Fusion generally releases more energy per reaction than fission.
Step 4: Consider the typical environments where these processes occur. Nuclear fusion primarily occurs in stars, while nuclear fission is commonly used in nuclear reactors on Earth.
Step 5: Evaluate the statements given in the problem and identify that the best description is that nuclear fission splits heavy nuclei into smaller ones, and nuclear fusion combines light nuclei into a heavier nucleus.
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