Chapter 31, Problem 5Q

To determine

Nuclear fission reaction emits energy in a thermal form. Explain it.

Answer to Problem 5Q

Solution:

Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei. The energy needed to bind the smaller nuclei is less than the energy released when the heavy nucleus is split. This excess energy is the thermal energy of a nuclear fission reaction, used to generate electricity in a reactor.

Explanation of Solution

It is a radioactive decay or a nuclear reaction, where the nucleus will splits into smaller nuclei. Free neutrons and protons are produced in the fission process along with a lot of thermal energy. Radioactive decay process is a very rare one and it is spontaneous.