The working principle of an atomic bomb is mainly based on which nuclear process involving heavy atomic nuclei?

Introduction / Context:
This general knowledge question relates to nuclear physics and the principle behind atomic weapons. Understanding whether an atomic bomb relies on nuclear fission or nuclear fusion is common in both physics education and general awareness. The term atomic bomb typically refers to devices using fission of heavy nuclei such as uranium or plutonium.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The device under discussion is an atomic bomb.
• We have options including nuclear fusion, nuclear fission, natural radioactivity, all options, and beta decay alone.
• We assume basic textbook descriptions of atomic and hydrogen bombs.

Concept / Approach:
In an atomic bomb, a supercritical mass of fissile material such as uranium 235 or plutonium 239 undergoes rapid uncontrolled chain reactions of nuclear fission. Each fission event splits a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy and more neutrons, which in turn cause more fission events. This chain reaction is the core principle of an atomic bomb. Fusion bombs, often called hydrogen bombs, use fusion of light nuclei but are a different category. Natural radioactivity and beta decay occur at much slower rates and do not by themselves produce the explosive energy of an atomic bomb.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical accounts of the first atomic bombs used in warfare describe devices based on uranium 235 and plutonium 239 fission. Physics textbooks clearly differentiate between fission bombs (atomic bombs) and fusion bombs (hydrogen bombs). Diagrams of the weapon designs show a fission core as the critical component. These sources consistently confirm that nuclear fission is the underlying principle for an atomic bomb.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Nuclear fusion: This is the main principle for hydrogen bombs or thermonuclear weapons, not the basic atomic bomb.
• Natural radioactivity only: Natural decay is too slow and low energy to create an atomic explosion.
• All options are correct: This is incorrect because fusion and simple natural radioactivity are not the primary principles in an atomic bomb.
• Beta decay alone: Beta decay is just one type of radioactive decay and cannot account for the massive energy release in an atomic bomb.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up the terms atomic bomb and hydrogen bomb and may think they are the same. It is important to remember that atomic bomb refers mainly to fission devices, while hydrogen bomb refers to fusion devices. Recognizing this difference helps answer questions correctly and improves understanding of nuclear physics concepts such as fission, fusion, and radioactivity.

Final Answer:
The principle of an atomic bomb is based on Nuclear fission.