The Nucleus

Question 10 • CA-Chemistry A

Which answer choice best explains why uranium-238 can be used in power plants to generate electricity?

Answer

Nuclides of uranium-238 decay over time. They release large amounts of energy as their nuclei break apart.

Nuclides of uranium-238 are extremely stable. They can absorb large amounts of energy without breaking apart, so they rarely need to be replaced.

Because atoms of uranium-238 have many more electrons than protons, they release steady streams of electric current.

Because atoms of uranium-238 have many more protons than neutrons, they attract large numbers of electrons from the surrounding environment.

Explanation

Uranium-238 is radioactive, so its nuclei decay over time. Nuclear reactions involving uranium release energy, which can be used to produce heat and then generate electricity. The other choices incorrectly describe uranium as producing electricity directly through its electrons or as completely stable.

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