Question

Four heavy elements (A, B, C, and D) will fission when bombarded by neutrons. In addition to fissioning into two smaller elements, A also gives off a beta particle, B gives off gamma rays, C gives off neutrons, and D gives off alpha particles. Which element would make a possible fuel for a nuclear reactor

Answer 1

Answer:

Element C will be best for a nuclear fission reaction

Explanation:

Nuclear fission is the splitting of the nucleus of a heavy atom by bombarding it with a nuclear particle. The reaction leads to the the atom splitting into two smaller elements and a huge amount of energy is liberated in the process. For the reaction to be continuous in a chain reaction, the best choice of element to use as fuel for the reaction should be the element whose nucleus also liberates a neutron particle after fission. The neutron that is given off by other atoms in the reaction will then proceed to bombard other atoms of the element in the reaction, creating a cascade of fission and bombardment within the nuclear reactor.