Question

How can matter be converted into energy?

Answer 1

Hint: The changing states of matter are subjected to the fact when a substance absorbs energy or loses its energy. The reason behind such change is due to the increase in kinetic energy. After absorbing the energy, the atoms or molecules in the substance start moving rapidly, and the increased kinetic energy drives the particles far away.

Complete step by step answer:
- There are generally three states of matter, namely; solid, liquid, and gas.
- In solid state, the molecules are closely packed to each other, and hence have a strong intermolecular force of attraction.
- In a liquid state, particles are quite separated from each other and hence have less force of attraction between them.
- In gaseous state, particles are highly apart from each other and thus have the almost negligible force of attraction.
- Matter can be converted into energy by the process of nuclear fission.
- Nuclear fission is a reaction in which the particles or atoms split into two smaller and lighter nuclei. On splitting of an atom, its two daughter nuclei weigh lighter than the parent nucleus.
- The term nuclear fission means that it will keep on splitting the atoms one after the other. With this fission, it will release a huge amount of energy.
- This kind of energy is explosive in nature. Uranium is the type of an element that undergoes nuclear reaction.

Note: Nuclear reactions such as fission reactions are considered to be highly energetic in nature. It means the process emits a huge amount of energy while taking place. This reaction requires an external agent to initiate the reaction.