Nuclear Fission and Its Discoverers

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Questions and Answers

What was Lise Meitner's primary contribution to the discovery of nuclear fission, as described in the provided text?

Independently discovering nuclear fission and publishing the findings prior to Hahn's experiment.

Leading the research team in Copenhagen that experimentally confirmed the nuclear fission process.

Conducting the initial experiment in 1938 that demonstrated the splitting of the uranium nucleus.

Developing the theoretical explanation of Hahn's experimental results, applying Einstein's theory of relativity. (correct)

Which principle from Einstein's theory of relativity was crucial to Meitner's explanation of nuclear fission?

The principle of equivalence between gravity and acceleration.

The relationship between mass and energy ($E=mc^2$). (correct)

The concept of spacetime curvature due to mass and energy.

The constancy of the speed of light in a vacuum.

Which sequence of events accurately represents the process of nuclear fission as described in the text?

Energy release → formation of new nuclei → neutron bombardment → nucleus division.

Nucleus division → neutron bombardment → energy release → formation of new nuclei.

Neutron bombardment → nucleus division → formation of new nuclei → energy release. (correct)

Formation of new nuclei → energy release → nucleus division → neutron bombardment.

What inference can be made about the relative masses of the components involved in nuclear fission, based on Meitner's explanation?

The combined mass of the new nuclei is less than the mass of the original uranium nucleus, with the difference converted to energy. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the timeline presented in the text, when did Meitner and Frisch publish their joint findings on nuclear fission?

Early 1939, following Frisch's experimental verification in Copenhagen. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between Meitner, Hahn, and Frisch in the discovery of nuclear fission, as portrayed in the text?

Hahn discovered fission experimentally, Frisch confirmed it, and Meitner provided the theoretical explanation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Considering Meitner's statement, 'Science can bring both joy and satisfaction to your life,' how does it contextualize her experience regarding the Nobel Prize omission?

It indicates she found fulfillment in the scientific process itself, independent of external recognition. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what was the immediate, impactful consequence of the discovery of nuclear fission?

Accelerated development of atomic weapons by the US military. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nuclear Fission

The process in which a nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy.

Lise Meitner

A physicist who contributed to the understanding of nuclear fission but was overlooked for the Nobel Prize.