It is possible to make a model of a fission chain reaction with mousetraps and table tennis balls, with the balls placed on an armed trap. Which statement best explains why this is a good model?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The table tennis balls represent nuclei that are split by neutrons and release energy.
The table tennis balls represent nuclei that are split by neutrons and release energy.

The table tennis balls represent neutrons that are released when the nucleus splits and cause other nuclei to split.
The table tennis balls represent neutrons that are released when the nucleus splits and cause other nuclei to split.

The table tennis balls represent protons that are released when the nucleus splits and cause other nuclei to split.
The table tennis balls represent protons that are released when the nucleus splits and cause other nuclei to split.

The table tennis balls represent nuclei that are split by protons and release energy.

Answer 1

The best statement that explains why the model using mousetraps and table tennis balls effectively represents a fission chain reaction is:

The table tennis balls represent neutrons that are released when the nucleus splits and cause other nuclei to split.

This explanation correctly identifies the role of neutrons in a fission chain reaction, where neutrons cause the splitting of other nuclei, leading to a continuous chain reaction.