If uranium were split into three equal segments instead of two, the reaction would be
A) less energetic.
B) as energetic.
C) more energetic.
D) Not enough information is given for a reasonable estimate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy released in a nuclear reaction is proportional to the mass defect. The mass defect is the difference between the mass of the reactants and the mass of the products. When uranium is split into three equal segments, the mass defect is greater than when it is split into two equal segments. Therefore, the reaction would be more energetic.

If Uranium Were Split into Three Equal Segments Instead of Two