Use the diagram to answer the question.

Question

An illustration shows a nuclear fission reaction in which a neutron hits a uranium nucleus. The uranium nucleus breaks into two smaller nuclei. Three additional neutrons and energy are released in the process.

Which statement best describes the charges of the particles involved?

(1 point)
Responses

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

A negative particle is striking a positive particle, breaking it into more negative and positive particles.
A negative particle is striking a positive particle, breaking it into more negative and positive particles.

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

A neutral particle is striking a negative particle, breaking it into more neutral and negative particles.
A neutral particle is striking a negative particle, breaking it into more neutral and negative particles.

Answer 1

In the given nuclear fission reaction, a neutron (which is a neutral particle) hits a uranium nucleus (which is a positively charged particle due to protons). The fission process leads to the formation of additional smaller nuclei, which generally contain a mix of positive and neutral particles.

Given this context, the statement that best describes the charges of the particles involved is:

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

This accurately reflects that the neutron (neutral particle) interacts with the uranium nucleus (positive particle), causing it to split into smaller nuclei that consist of both neutral and positive particles.