Multiple choice

The process of splitting a heavy nucleus into a stable nuclei of intermediate mass is known as

  1. nuclear fusion

  2. nuclear fission

  3. nuclear transmutation

  4. radioactivity

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts (lighter nuclei), often producing free neutrons and photons (in the form of gamma rays), as well. Fission of heavy elements is an exothermic reaction which can release large amounts of energy both as electromagnetic radiation and as kinetic energy of the fragments.

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