Which of the following is a characteristic of nuclear fission?

• A. It occurs only in light elements such as hydrogen and helium.
• B. It does not release any energy.
• C. It involves the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei.
• D. It always results in the formation of a single, more massive nucleus.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of nuclear fission: it is a nuclear reaction where a heavy atomic nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of energy.
2. Recognize that nuclear fission typically involves heavy elements such as uranium or plutonium, not light elements like hydrogen or helium.
3. Recall that nuclear fission releases a significant amount of energy due to the conversion of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's equation \(E = mc^{2}\).
4. Note that nuclear fission results in multiple smaller nuclei, not a single more massive nucleus; the latter describes nuclear fusion instead.
5. Conclude that the characteristic of nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, accompanied by energy release.