Which of the following statements about ‘fission’ is correct ? 1. It is related with the creation of new individuals by means of cell division in unicellular organism. 2. It is related with the transformation of heavier nuclei into smaller nuclei. 3. It is related with the creation of a heavier nuclei by means of combining two higher nuclei. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
1 and 2 only
Analyzing Statements About Fission
The term 'fission' can refer to different processes depending on the context. It is commonly used in biology and physics (specifically nuclear physics). Let's analyze each statement provided in the question to determine its correctness regarding 'fission'.
Statement 1: Related to creation of new individuals by cell division in unicellular organisms.
This statement describes a biological process. In biology, fission is a form of asexual reproduction used by many unicellular organisms, such as bacteria, amoebas, and paramecia. In this process, the parent cell divides into two or more identical daughter cells. The most common type is binary fission, where one cell splits into two. There is also multiple fission, where a single cell divides into many daughter cells simultaneously.
Therefore, statement 1 correctly describes a type of fission in a biological context.
Statement 2: Related to transformation of heavier nuclei into smaller nuclei.
This statement describes a process in nuclear physics. Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction where the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller, lighter nuclei. This process often produces free neutrons and photons (gamma rays), and releases a large amount of energy. Nuclear fission of heavy elements was discovered by Lise Meitner, Otto Hahn, and Fritz Strassmann in 1938.
Therefore, statement 2 correctly describes nuclear fission, which is another meaning of the term 'fission'.
Statement 3: Related to creation of a heavier nuclei by combining two higher nuclei.
This statement describes a process that is the opposite of fission. Combining two atomic nuclei to form a single, heavier nucleus is called nuclear fusion. Nuclear fusion reactions release energy when lighter elements are fused to form heavier elements, up to iron-56. Fusion typically occurs under extremely high temperatures and pressures, such as in the core of stars.
Therefore, statement 3 describes nuclear fusion, not fission. It is an incorrect description of 'fission'.
Conclusion on Fission Statements
Based on the analysis:
- Statement 1 is correct (describes biological fission).
- Statement 2 is correct (describes nuclear fission).
- Statement 3 is incorrect (describes nuclear fusion).
The question asks which of the given statements about 'fission' is correct. Both statement 1 (biological fission) and statement 2 (nuclear fission) are correct descriptions of processes referred to as 'fission'.
Therefore, the correct answer should include both statement 1 and statement 2.
| Statement No. | Description | Process Type | Correctness for 'Fission' |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cell division creating new individuals in unicellular organisms | Biological Fission (Asexual Reproduction) | Correct |
| 2 | Heavier nuclei splitting into smaller nuclei | Nuclear Fission | Correct |
| 3 | Combining two higher nuclei to form a heavier one | Nuclear Fusion | Incorrect (It's Fusion, not Fission) |
Revision Table: Fission vs. Fusion
| Feature | Biological Fission | Nuclear Fission | Nuclear Fusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Involves | Cells | Atomic Nuclei | Atomic Nuclei |
| Process | Cell divides into new cells | Nucleus splits into smaller nuclei | Nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus |
| Energy Release | Typically minimal (for reproduction) | Large amount (e.g., in nuclear reactors) | Very large amount (e.g., in stars, hydrogen bombs) |
| Where it occurs | Unicellular organisms | Heavy isotopes (e.g., Uranium, Plutonium) | Light elements (e.g., Hydrogen isotopes) |
Additional Information: Types of Fission and Related Concepts
Understanding fission in both biological and nuclear contexts is important. Here are some related concepts:
- Binary Fission: The most common type of biological fission where one cell divides into two identical daughter cells. Examples include bacteria and amoeba.
- Multiple Fission: A type of biological fission where a cell divides into multiple daughter cells simultaneously. Examples include some algae and protozoans like Plasmodium (which causes malaria).
- Nuclear Chain Reaction: In nuclear fission, neutrons are often released. These neutrons can cause other heavy nuclei to undergo fission, releasing more neutrons and creating a chain reaction. This is the principle behind nuclear power plants and atomic bombs.
- Applications: Biological fission is crucial for the reproduction of many simple life forms. Nuclear fission is used in nuclear power generation and certain types of weapons. Nuclear fusion is the source of energy for the sun and stars, and research is ongoing for controlled nuclear fusion as a potential future energy source.
Important Questions from Nuclear Physics
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