The splitting of an atomic nucleus to release energy is called

The splitting of an atomic nucleus to release energy is called

• A. Fission
• B. Fusion
• C. Neutralization
• D. Salt

Answer: (A)

Splitting a nucleus to release energy is called fission. In fission, a heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei, and energy is released because the total mass of the products is slightly less than the original mass—the missing mass becomes energy. Often a neutron initiates the split, and the reaction can produce more neutrons that sustain a chain reaction, which is why fission powers some reactors and can drive bombs when uncontrolled. This is distinct from fusion, which releases energy by combining light nuclei at very high temperatures, and from neutralization and salt, which are chemical concepts not about changes to the atomic nucleus.

Splitting a nucleus to release energy is called fission. In fission, a heavy nucleus splits into lighter nuclei, and energy is released because the total mass of the products is slightly less than the original mass—the missing mass becomes energy. Often a neutron initiates the split, and the reaction can produce more neutrons that sustain a chain reaction, which is why fission powers some reactors and can drive bombs when uncontrolled. This is distinct from fusion, which releases energy by combining light nuclei at very high temperatures, and from neutralization and salt, which are chemical concepts not about changes to the atomic nucleus.