Tossup

A substance’s ability to undergo this process is roughly proportional to “Z-squared over A.” The reproduction factor and resonance escape probability appear in Fermi’s four-factor formula (10[1])describing this process. (-5[1])This process is analogized to a water droplet splitting down the middle in the liquid drop model. Lise Meitner (“LEE-zuh MIGHT-ner”), who co-discovered this process, was snubbed from the Nobel Prize awarded to Otto Hahn. Graphite control rods moderate (10[1])this (10[1])process by emitting neutrons. (10[2])A chain (10[1])reaction of this process occurs at the critical mass for uranium-235. (10[1])For 10 points, name this process in which a heavy nucleus splits (10[1])into smaller ones, contrasted with fusion. ■END■ (10[1])

ANSWER: nuclear fission [accept fissionability; reject “nuclear fusion”]
<MIT A, Physics>
= Average correct buzz position

Back to tossups