Does the average distance that a neutron travels through fissionable material before escaping increase or decrease when two pieces of fissionable material are assembled into one piece? Does this assembly increase or decrease the probability of an explosion?
A)The average distance increases while the probability of an explosion also increases.
B)The average distance decreases while the probability of an explosion decreases.
C)The average distance increases while the probability of an explosion decreases.
D)The average distance decreases while the probability of an explosion increases.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When two pieces of fissionable material are assembled into one piece, the average distance a neutron can travel before escaping increases because there is more material for it to traverse. This assembly also increases the probability of an explosion, as neutrons have a higher chance of causing further fissions in a larger mass of material, potentially leading to a chain reaction.

Does the Average Distance That a Neutron Travels Through Fissionable