A neutron hits the top of a uranium nucleusand fission breaks it into smaller nuclei and energy is released and more neutrons. Which statement best describes the charges of the particles involved?

Question

a neutral particle is striking a positive particle breaking it into more neutral and positive particles
a negative particle is striking a positive particle breaking it into more negative and positive particles
a positive particle is striking a neutral particle breaking it into more positive and neutral particles
a neutral particle is striking a negative particle breaking it into more neutral and negative particles

Answer 1

The best statement that describes the charges of the particles involved in the fission of a uranium nucleus by a neutron is:

a neutral particle is striking a positive particle breaking it into more neutral and positive particles.

In this scenario:

• The neutron is a neutral particle.
• The uranium nucleus, which is made up of protons (positive charges) and neutrons (neutral charges), can be considered a positive particle due to the presence of protons.
• The fission process produces smaller nuclei (which may include both neutral and positively charged fragments, such as more neutrons and positively charged protons in the emitted particles).

Thus, the first option accurately captures the interactions during the fission process.