Question detail
How does a neutron contribute to the process of 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. It initiates the fission by being absorbed by a nucleus
- B. It prevents the chain reaction from occurring
- C. It increases the mass of the nucleus
- D. It cools the reactor down
Answer
The correct answer is A: It initiates the fission by being absorbed by a nucleus.
Explanation
The correct answer is A: It initiates the fission by being absorbed by a nucleus. This supports the learning objective "(Physics only) Explain that control rods can absorb neutrons to help control a reactor chain reaction." 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 prevents the chain reaction from occurring; It increases the mass of the nucleus; It cools the reactor down.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Control Rod Function
Students often think that control rods completely stop the fission process instead of absorbing some neutrons to regulate the chain reaction.
Clarify that control rods are used to absorb excess neutrons, which helps maintain a controlled chain reaction rather than halting it entirely.
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