Question detail
What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Nuclear fission and fusion
Question
- A. A process where two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus
- B. A series of repeated fission events initiated by emitted neutrons
- C. The absorption of neutrons by control rods in a reactor
- D. The splitting of a large nucleus into smaller nuclei
Answer
The correct answer is B: A series of repeated fission events initiated by emitted neutrons.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: A series of repeated fission events initiated by emitted neutrons. This supports the learning objective "(Physics only) Describe a chain reaction in terms of repeated fission events." in Nuclear fission (physics only) because it uses the correct atomic and nuclear radiation relationship for Nuclear fission and fusion. The other options are less suitable because they do not match the required Nuclear fission (physics only) idea: A process where two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus; The absorption of neutrons by control rods in a reactor; The splitting of a large nucleus into smaller nuclei.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Chain Reactions
Students often confuse a chain reaction with a single fission event, thinking it only involves one fission process.
To fix this, students should focus on the definition of a chain reaction as a series of repeated fission events, where emitted neutrons from one fission event cause further fission in other nuclei.
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