When an atom of uranium-235 is bombarded with neutrons, it splits into smaller nuclei and produces a great amount of energy. this nuclear process is called fission. fusion. decomposition. chain reaction. ionization?

Nuclear fission reactions are defined as the reaction in which, the heavier atoms splits into two or more lighter atoms. The number of atoms formed in this reaction increases from the given atoms.

Nuclear fusion reactions are defined as the reaction in which, two or more lighter atoms combine to form a heavier atom. The number of atoms formed in this reaction decreases from the given atoms.

Decomposition reaction is defined as the reaction in which a single large substance breaks down into two or more smaller substances.

Chain reactions are defined as the reaction in which the neutrons that are released in the previous fission reaction act as the starting material in the next reaction. Thus, this process continues to many reactions.

Ionization reaction is defined as the reaction in which an ionic compound dissociates into its ions when dissolved in aqueous solution.

The reaction for the fission of U-235 in smaller nuclei follows:

[tex]^{235}_{92}\textrm{U}\rightarrow ^{90}_{38}\textrm{Sr}+^{144}_{54}\textrm{Xe}+2^1_0\textrm{n}[/tex]

Hence, the nuclear process for the splitting of U-235 nuclei is nuclear fission process.