Q4
The size of the reactor is said to be critical when
A.
Chain reaction can be initiated
AnswerB.
It becomes uncontrollable
C.
It explodes
D.
It produces no power
Answer: Option A
Solution
Answer: Option A
Solution:
When the atom-splitting reactor of a nuclear power plant is operating normally, it is said to be “critical” or in a state of “criticality.”Criticality means that a reactor is controlling a sustained fission chain reaction, where each fission event releases a sufficient number of neutrons to maintain an ongoing series of reactions. This is the normal state of nuclear power generation.