Question

Atom bomb is based on the principle of (a) nuclear fusion (b) nuclear fission (c) nuclear transformation (d) carbon dating

Short answer

The atom bomb is based on the principle of nuclear fission (b).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Options

First, let's clarify the different principles provided in the options: - Nuclear fusion is a reaction where two or more nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. - Nuclear fission is a reaction where a nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy. - Nuclear transformation refers to processes where the nucleus of an atom changes to a different element or isotope. - Carbon dating is a method used to determine the age of an artifact by measuring the content of carbon isotopes.

Identifying Correct Technology

Atom bombs, commonly known as atomic bombs, generate energy through the process of nuclear fission. In these bombs, a heavy nucleus, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, is split into smaller nuclei, releasing a massive amount of energy rapidly. This is in contrast to hydrogen bombs (thermonuclear bombs), which utilize nuclear fusion.

Selecting the Appropriate Answer

Given the explanation and the process involved in an atom bomb, the correct principle on which it is based is nuclear fission. This differentiates it from other technologies or methods listed.

Key concepts

Atom Bomb

An atom bomb is a powerful weapon that derives its explosive force from nuclear fission. In this process, the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, is split into smaller parts. This reaction releases a tremendous amount of energy in a very short period.

The energy released during nuclear fission occurs because the total mass of the resulting fragments is less than the original mass. According to Einstein's equation, \(E = mc^2\), this missing mass is transformed into energy. Atom bombs use this principle to produce devastating effects.

• The process begins with initiation, often by firing a neutron at the nucleus of the heavy atom.
• The nucleus becomes unstable and splits, releasing energy, more neutrons, and smaller nuclei called fission fragments.
• These released neutrons can induce fission in neighboring nuclei, leading to a chain reaction.

The rapid and uncontrolled chain reaction makes the atom bomb a destructive weapon.

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is the process where two or more lighter atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This reaction is the power source of stars, including our sun. During fusion, a large amount of energy is released when the binding forces of the light nuclei overcome the repulsive forces between them.

In contrast to fission, where a nucleus is split, fusion joins smaller nuclei under high temperature and pressure conditions. These necessary conditions only exist naturally in stars or can be artificially achieved in thermonuclear weapons, also known as hydrogen bombs.

• The most common fusion reaction is the combination of hydrogen isotopes, deuterium, and tritium, forming helium and a neutron.
• Fusion releases more energy per unit mass than fission.
• It produces little to no radioactive waste compared to fission.

Despite its potential for generating clean energy, the practical application of nuclear fusion in power plants remains a challenge due to the extreme conditions required.

Nuclear Transformation

Nuclear transformation refers to the changing of one element or isotope into another. This can occur naturally, such as when an atom undergoes radioactive decay, or artificially, through nuclear reactions in accelerators or reactors.

This transformation involves processes like alpha decay, beta decay, and neutron capture. Each of these processes affects the number of protons and/or neutrons in a nucleus, altering its atomic structure.

• Alpha decay reduces the atomic number by 2, causing the element to change to another element two positions earlier on the periodic table.
• Beta decay involves the change of a neutron into a proton or vice versa, altering the atom's charge.
• In neutron capture, a nucleus captures a free neutron, potentially becoming radioactive.

Nuclear transformation has applications in energy production, medical treatments, and scientific research.

Carbon Dating

Carbon dating, also known as radiocarbon dating, is a method used by scientists to determine the age of organic material. It measures the amount of carbon-14, a radioactive isotope, remaining in a sample to estimate how long it has existed.

All living organisms absorb carbon, including carbon-14, during their lifetime. When they die, they stop absorbing carbon, and the carbon-14 starts to decay. By measuring the remaining amount of carbon-14, the time elapsed since death can be estimated.

• This technique is effective for dating materials up to about 50,000 years old.
• It is widely used in archaeology, geology, and other fields to date artifacts, fossils, and rock samples.
• Carbon dating relies on the assumption that the atmospheric levels of carbon-14 have remained constant over time, which is a factor scientists carefully consider and adjust for.

While incredibly useful, carbon dating has limitations and must be used alongside other dating methods for the most accurate results.