Question

In a nuclear fission process, what happens to the nucleus of an atom?

• A. Nucleus ejects protons.
• B. Nucleus shed its electrons.
• C. A heavier nucleus is broken into lighter nuclei.
• D. Lighter nuclei fuse together to form heavier nucleus.

Answer 1

The correct option is C A heavier nucleus is broken into lighter nuclei.

In the nuclear fission reaction, the nucleus of a heavier atom (such as uranium, plutonium or thorium), when bombarded with low energy neutrons, can be split apart into lighter nuclei. When this fission happens a large amount of energy is released. This energy is then exploited in the production of electricity.