A fission reaction can be produced by:
Correct answer: A. fast neutrons
- A. fast neutrons
- B. slow neutrons
- C. thermal neutrons
- D. all of these
Explanation
Fission occurs when a neutron bumps into a larger atom, forcing it to excite and split into two smaller atoms, known as fission products. Elements with odd atomic masses are more fissile (prone to fission) because the extra neutron adds the energy required to fission the resulting nucleus. U-238 has even more atomic mass. Thus, because of the large amount of energy needed, U-238 can only undergo fission when fast-moving neutrons strike it.
This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2011 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Composition of Atomic Nuclei
Atomic nuclei contain positively charged protons and electrically neutral neutrons, collectively called nucleons. Questions use atomic number, mass number and nuclear notation to identify isotopes, isobars and isotones, and may connect nuclear composition with nuclear charge, mass defect, binding energy and the stability of the nucleus.
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