Question detail
What is a chain reaction in the context 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. A process where two nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus
- B. A series of fission events triggered by emitted neutrons
- C. The cooling process of a nuclear reactor
- D. The absorption of neutrons by control rods
Answer
The correct answer is B: A series of fission events triggered by emitted neutrons.
Explanation
The correct answer is B: A series of fission events triggered by emitted neutrons. 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: A process where two nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus; The cooling process of a nuclear reactor; The absorption of neutrons by control rods.
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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