Question

Which of the following are the most effective projectiles for initiating nuclear reactions?

• A. Electrons
• B. Protons
• C. Neutrons
• D. none of these

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Neutrons

Explanation for correct option:

1. Nuclear fission includes the splitting up of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei with the release of more neutrons and large energy.
2. The splitting takes place with the absorption of neutrons which is effective in inducing nuclear fission.
3. More effectively slow neutrons increase the probability of inducing nuclear fission.
4. Neutrons are uncharged particles and this is because they do not deflect by the electric or magnetic field.
5. So, they are the most effective projectiles.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

1. Option (A) - Electrons: They have a negative charge that is $-1.602\times {10}^{-19}coulomb$ so they are not the most effective projectiles because they do deflect by the electric or magnetic field.
2. Option (B) - Protons: They have a positive charge that is $1.602\times {10}^{-19}coulomb$so they are not the most effective projectile because they do deflect by the electric or magnetic field.

Hence, option C is the correct answer.