Which process splits atoms?

Which process splits atoms?

• A. Fusion
• B. Decomposition
• C. Fission
• D. Ionization

Answer: (C)

This question is about nuclear processes that involve the atomic nucleus. Splitting atoms refers to nuclear fission, where a heavy nucleus (like uranium-235) divides into two lighter nuclei after being struck by a neutron, and in the process releases energy and more neutrons. This energy comes from the mass defect—the tiny difference between the total mass of the products and the original nucleus is converted to energy. Fusion, in contrast, would be joining light nuclei to form a heavier one, not splitting. Decomposition is a chemical process that breaks compounds into simpler substances at the molecular level, not changing the nucleus. Ionization involves removing electrons from an atom, leaving the nucleus intact.

This question is about nuclear processes that involve the atomic nucleus. Splitting atoms refers to nuclear fission, where a heavy nucleus (like uranium-235) divides into two lighter nuclei after being struck by a neutron, and in the process releases energy and more neutrons. This energy comes from the mass defect—the tiny difference between the total mass of the products and the original nucleus is converted to energy. Fusion, in contrast, would be joining light nuclei to form a heavier one, not splitting. Decomposition is a chemical process that breaks compounds into simpler substances at the molecular level, not changing the nucleus. Ionization involves removing electrons from an atom, leaving the nucleus intact.