Uranium-235 releases an average of 2.5 neutrons per fission, while plutonium-239 releases an average of 2.7 neutrons per fission. Which of these elements might you therefore expect to have the smaller critical mass?
A)plutonium-239
B)uranium-235
C)The number of neutrons per fission will not affect the size of critical mass.
D)The critical mass of these elements cannot be determined from only the number of neutrons per fission.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plutonium-239, releasing more neutrons per fission, would more easily sustain a chain reaction, thus requiring a smaller critical mass compared to uranium-235.

Uranium-235 Releases an Average of 2