Question detail

What is a key difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?

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. Fission splits large nuclei, while fusion joins light nuclei
B. Fission occurs in stars, while fusion occurs in reactors
C. Fusion releases less energy than fission
D. Fission requires high temperatures, while fusion does not

Answer

The correct answer is A: Fission splits large nuclei, while fusion joins light nuclei.

Explanation

The correct answer is A: Fission splits large nuclei, while fusion joins light nuclei. This supports the learning objective "(Physics only) Interpret simple diagrams of nuclei before and after fusion." in Nuclear fusion (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 fusion (physics only) idea: Fission occurs in stars, while fusion occurs in reactors; Fusion releases less energy than fission; Fission requires high temperatures, while fusion does not.

Common mistake

Misinterpreting Fusion Diagrams

Students often confuse the arrangement of nuclei in diagrams, misidentifying the reactants and products of fusion.

Carefully analyze the diagrams, noting the labels and the number of protons and neutrons in each nucleus to accurately identify the fusion process.

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