PH-2075
Fission and fusion
Physics · Secondary 4 · Hard · Fission and fusion
In a sample of uranium-235, each fission of a nucleus releases 3 fast neutrons. In a reactor operating safely, on average only 1 of these neutrons causes another fission. What will happen if conditions change so that, on average, 2 of the 3 neutrons now cause further fissions?
- The chain reaction will speed up and the power will rise more and more quickly
- The chain reaction will gradually slow down and stop
- The chain reaction will continue at a steady, constant rate
- The chain reaction will suddenly stop and then restart
Sign in to check your answer and see the hint and the worked explanation. Free on PrepLab High.