Question detail

What happens when a neutron is absorbed by a large nucleus?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Nuclear fission and fusion

Question

A. It causes the nucleus to become stable
B. It initiates the fission process
C. It releases energy immediately
D. It transforms the nucleus into a lighter element

Answer

The correct answer is B: It initiates the fission process.

Explanation

The correct answer is B: It initiates the fission process. This supports the learning objective "(Physics only) Explain how emitted neutrons can cause further 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: It causes the nucleus to become stable; It releases energy immediately; It transforms the nucleus into a lighter element.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Neutron Role

Students often confuse the role of emitted neutrons in fission, thinking they only contribute to the initial fission event rather than causing subsequent fission events.

Emphasize that emitted neutrons can initiate further fission reactions by colliding with other large nuclei, leading to a chain reaction.

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