What is a common outcome of nuclear fission?

The common outcome of nuclear fission is the release of a large amount of energy. During the fission process, a heavy atomic nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy in accordance with Einstein's equation, E=mc². This energy is released primarily because the total mass of the resulting products is less than the original mass of the nucleus; the "missing" mass has been converted to energy.

In the context of nuclear reactors or atomic bombs, this energy release is harnessed to either generate electricity or produce an explosive force. The intense energy produced is one of the key reasons nuclear fission is utilized in power generation and weaponry.

Other options, such as the formation of heavy water or the creation of stable isotopes, do not directly relate to the process of fission itself. While heavy water may be used as a moderator in some reactors, it is not a product of fission. Similarly, the products of fission are typically radioactive isotopes rather than stable ones. The release of radioactive gas can occur as a byproduct in certain situations, but it is not the primary outcome of the fission process. Thus, the significant and defining characteristic of nuclear fission is indeed the large amount of energy that is released