Answer:
neutrons striking nuclei
a single large nucleus breaking apart
two small nuclei forming
Explanation:
- Nuclear fission occurs when a large, unstable nucleus absorbs a slow-moving neutron and breaks apart into two smaller nuclei + additional neutrons. In the process, the mass of the final product is smaller than the mass of the initial nucleus, so this mass difference is converted into a large amount of energy, according to Einstein's equation:
[tex]E=\Delta m c^2[/tex]
- Nuclear fusion occurs when two small nuclei join together forming a larger nucleus. In the process, the mass of the final nucleus is smaller than the sum of the masses of the initial nucleu, so this mass difference is converted into a large amount of energy, according to Einstein's equation:
[tex]E=\Delta m c^2[/tex]
We can now analyze each statement and see which one is valid only for nuclear fission:
neutrons striking nuclei --> valid only for nuclear fission
two small nuclei joining together --> valid only for nuclear fusion
the release of large amounts of energy --> valid for both fission and fusion
a single large nucleus breaking apart --> valid only for nuclear fission
two small nuclei forming --> valid only for nuclear fission
