GED Science Practice

What is the term for radioactive particles dispersed by a nuclear explosion?

1. Excretion

2. Fallout

3. Fermentation

4. Fission

The correct answer is: Fallout

The correct term for radioactive particles that are dispersed by a nuclear explosion is "fallout." Fallout refers specifically to the radioactive debris that is propelled into the atmosphere during a nuclear explosion. This debris can include various isotopes that remain radioactive for significant periods and can contaminate the environment through settling back to the earth. Understanding fallout is crucial in discussions of nuclear safety and environmental impact, as it can affect air, soil, and water quality over extensive areas, posing health risks to living organisms. The other options represent different phenomena or processes that do not relate to the dispersal of radioactive particles from a nuclear event. "Excretion" pertains to the process by which organisms eliminate waste, "fermentation" involves a metabolic process that converts sugars into acids or gases, and "fission" is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing energy, but does not specifically refer to the particles produced and dispersed by a nuclear explosion. Thus, "fallout" is the most appropriate term in this context.