Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Which process is characterized by the release of neutrons along with energy?

1. Fusion

2. Fission

3. Evaporation

4. Condensation

The correct answer is: Fission

The process characterized by the release of neutrons along with energy is fission. In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239 is split into smaller nuclei, which releases a significant amount of energy. This splitting process also releases neutrons, which can go on to trigger further fission reactions in nearby atoms, potentially leading to a chain reaction. This reaction is harnessed for energy production in nuclear power plants and is also the principle behind the explosive power of nuclear weapons. Fusion, in contrast, involves the merging of light nuclei (such as hydrogen isotopes) to form a heavier nucleus and release energy; however, it generally does not produce excess neutrons in the same manner as fission. Evaporation and condensation are phase changes involving the transition of substances between solid, liquid, and gas states and do not relate to nuclear reactions or the release of energy in the context of neutrons.