Question 1: Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of a heavy atom splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy. This process is the principle behind nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.

Answer: Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.

Question 2: What type of atoms are typically used in nuclear fission reactions?

Answer: Heavy atoms such as Uranium-235 or Plutonium-239.

Question 3: Explain why nuclear fission releases a large amount of energy.

Answer: Nuclear fission releases a large amount of energy because the mass of the split nuclei is less than the original nucleus, and this mass difference is converted into energy according to Einstein's equation E=mc^2.

Question 4: Which of the following is a common fuel used in nuclear fission reactors?

Answer: Uranium-235

Question 5: Fill in the blank: The process where a heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei is called __________.

Answer: fission

Question 6: Describe one safety precaution that must be considered when handling nuclear materials.

Answer: Proper shielding and protective equipment to prevent radiation exposure.

Question 7: Calculate the energy released when 1 gram of Uranium-235 undergoes fission. (Use E=mc^2, where c=3×10^8 m/s).

Answer: Energy = 0.001 kg × (3×10^8 m/s)^2 = 9×10^13 Joules

Question 8: In a nuclear fission reaction, approximately how many neutrons are released per fission event?

Answer: About 2 to 3 neutrons.

Question 9: Explain how chain reactions occur in nuclear fission reactors.

Answer: Chain reactions occur when neutrons released from one fission event trigger further fission events in nearby nuclei, sustaining a self-perpetuating process that releases large amounts of energy.

Question 10: Identify one practical application of nuclear fission outside of power generation.

Answer: Nuclear medicine, such as in cancer treatment using radioactive isotopes.