Question

Nuclear Fission is best explained by:
A) Liquid droplet theory
B) Yukawa – meson theory
C) Independent particle model of the nucleus
D) Proton-proton cycle

Answer 1

To answer this question, it is important to understand the process of nuclear fission. However, before we understand the phenomenon of nuclear fission, it is very important to know the type of materials that undergo nuclear fission and the factor that sets criteria for the nuclear fission.

Complete answer:
The phenomenon of radioactivity is observed in heavy elements whose atomic mass is exceedingly high and thus, have less stable binding energy. Elements with atomic number greater than 85 exhibit radioactivity wherein the heavy nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei. The process of splitting of one heavy nucleus into two different smaller nuclei is known as nuclear fission.
Nuclear fission was first, discovered in 1938, by two German scientists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann. However, their theory of nuclear fission was supplemented by the studies of two scientists Lise Meitner and Otto Robert Fischer, who propounded the theory of liquid-drop model of the nucleus to understand the process of nuclear fission to give it a qualitative interpretation.
The Liquid droplet model of nucleus describes the nucleus of an atom behaving like the molecules in a drop of liquid. If some energy is provided to the liquid drop, the shape of the liquid drop gets distorted and due to the high surface tension, it can be split into two. Similarly, a nucleus behaves the same way as that of a liquid drop wherein an immense amount of energy is liberated when it splits into two.
In the case of nucleus, however, the energy required is provided by the slow-moving neutrons which collide with the heavy nucleus, thereby splitting the heavy nucleus into two smaller nuclei.

Hence, the correct option is Option A.

Note: The amount of energy released per nucleus of uranium during nuclear fission is in the range of 931 MeV. This energy, when measured for one kg of uranium, is so immense that it can eliminate an entire city, when used in a nuclear bomb. Not only, the energy released during nuclear expansion is immense, but also, dangerous radiation is produced during the nuclear fission, which can potentially, eliminate all forms of life in its vicinity, even several days and months post explosion.