When the nucleus of uranium is bombarded with neutrons, it breaks up into two of nearly equal mass. This process is called:

When the nucleus of uranium is bombarded with neutrons, it breaks up into two of nearly equal mass. This process is called: Correct Answer Fission

The correct answer is Fission.

Key Points

• Nuclear fission
  • The process of splitting a nucleus is called nuclear fission.
    • Uranium or plutonium isotopes are normally used as fuel in nuclear reactors because their nuclei are relatively large and easy to split.
  • For fission to happen, the uranium-235 or plutonium-239 nucleus must first absorb a neutron.
• Hence, option 3 is correct. 

Additional Information

• Nuclear Fusion:
  • Nuclear Fusion is defined as the combining of two lighter nuclei into a heavier one.
  • Such nuclear fusion reactions are the source of energy in the Sun and other stars.
  • It takes considerable energy to force the nuclei to fuse.
    • The conditions needed for this process are extreme millions of degrees of temperature and millions of pascals of pressure.
  • The hydrogen bomb is based on a thermonuclear fusion reaction.
    • However, a nuclear bomb based on the fission of uranium or plutonium is placed at the core of the hydrogen bomb to provide initial energy.