The statement that correctly describes why the reaction used in nuclear reactors is:
C. Fission reactions involve the splitting of large unstable nuclei.
Explanation:
1. In nuclear reactors, the main process that occurs is nuclear fission.
2. Fission reactions involve the splitting of large unstable nuclei, such as uranium or plutonium isotopes.
3. When these large nuclei split, they release a tremendous amount of energy in the form of heat.
4. This heat energy is then used to generate steam, which drives turbines to produce electricity.
5. Fission reactions do produce nuclear waste products that are radioactive and need to be carefully managed for disposal.
6. The key aspect of nuclear reactors is harnessing the energy released from splitting these large nuclei to generate power.
