Chemistry Regents Practice Test

What is released during the fission of Pu-239 atoms?

1. Electrical energy

2. Heat energy

3. Light energy

4. Conversion of matter to energy

The correct answer is: Conversion of matter to energy

The fission of Pu-239 atoms involves splitting the nucleus of the plutonium atom into smaller nuclei, along with the release of a significant amount of energy. According to Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle, represented by the equation E=mc², the mass lost during the fission process is converted into energy. This energy release is a fundamental aspect of nuclear reactions, highlighting the transformation of a portion of the mass into energy, which can be harnessed for various applications, such as in nuclear power generation. While heat energy and light energy are also produced during the fission process, the essence of the question focuses on the transformation of matter itself into energy, which is central to the understanding of nuclear fission. Thus, the correct answer distinctly highlights the conversion aspect inherent in the fission of plutonium-239.