A nuclear reactor is said to be critical when the average number of neutrons from each fission event that cause(s) another fission event is A) 1. D) any of the above. E) only (b) or (c) above.

Question

A nuclear reactor is said to be critical when the average number of neutrons from each fission event that cause(s) another fission event is
A) <1.
B) 1.
C) >1.
D) any of the above.
E) only (b) or (c) above.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A nuclear reactor is considered critical when the average number of neutrons from each fission event that cause another fission event is exactly 1. This means the reactor is operating in a steady state, with no increase or decrease in power output.

A Nuclear Reactor Is Said to Be Critical When the Average