Question

Splitting of the nucleus of a radioactive atom into two smaller nuclei yields what type of reaction, which releases a great deal of energy from a small amount of matter?

Answer 1

nuclear fission

Nuclear fission is the splitting of the nucleus of a radioactive atom into two smaller nuclei. This type of reaction releases a great deal of energy from a very small amount of matter. Fission of a tiny pellet of radioactive uranium-235, like the one pictured in the Figure below , releases as much energy as burning 1,000 kilograms of coal!.