Question

For a nuclear reactor to run in crtitcal condition the reproduction factor k should be

• A. = 1
• B. > 1
• C. < 1
• D. >>> 1

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

= 1

Reproduction factor $k$ is the number of neutrons in one generation per neutron in preceding generation.

If k is greater than 1, the chain reaction is superciritcal, and the neutron population will grow exponentially.

If k is less than 1, the chain reaction is subcritical, and the neutron population will exponentially decay.

If k = 1, the chain reaction is critical and the neutron population will remain constant.