Question

The nuclear reaction takes place in a nuclear reactor is _________.
A. controlled fission reaction.
B. uncontrolled fission reaction.
C. nuclear fusion reaction.
D. none of the above.

Answer 1

Nuclear energy is the type of energy, which can be obtained by elements that have the ability to get fuse or disintegrate under specific conditions. According to scientists, nuclear energy can fulfill the needs of human electricity consumption. This indicates that it could be produced on earth and liberates an enormous amount of energy.

Complete step-by-step solution:
First, we have to see what are the types of nuclear reactions?
Nuclear reactions could be divided into two categories:
A. Nuclear fission reaction: It is a reaction, which involves the splitting up of a heavy radioactive element into smaller elements, thereby releasing an enormous amount of energy. For example, uranium on bombardment with a neutron splits into krypton and barium along with some by-products and an enormous amount of energy. This energy can be produced in nuclear reactor labs to fulfill the requirements of electrical energy.
$U\quad +\quad n\quad \to \quad Kr\quad +\quad Ba\quad +\quad (Energy)$
B. Nuclear fusion reaction: It is a reaction, which involves combining or joining up of two smaller elements to convert into a heavier element, thereby releasing a huge amount of energy. This reaction requires very high temperature and pressure conditions, which can’t be achieved on earth. For example, two hydrogen isotopes combine to give a heavier element of Helium and release a huge amount of energy.
$H\quad +\quad H\quad \to \quad He\quad +\quad (Energy)$

Since the fusion is not possible on earth, hence the most appropriate answer to this question will be(A). Controlled fission reaction.

Note: For such types of questions, we need to see what reaction will produce maximum energy. Nuclear fission can be achieved on earth. Hence it has comparatively less energy associated with it. Also, these reactions have special labs for the reaction to be conducted. Hence it is called a controlled fission reaction.