Chapter 19.3, Problem 3RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The role of critical mass for a chain reaction is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

That minimum amount of nuclear material which is required to cause a chain reaction, is said to be a critical mass.

Answer to Problem 3RQ

To cause a chain reaction to continue without stopping, a small amount of nuclear material is required to cause a chain reaction, that minimum amount of material is known as critical mass.

Explanation of Solution

The critical mass is the lowest amount of the material which is used to achieve a self- sustaining fission chain reaction under suitable conditions. It depends on some conditions which are given as,

• The types of fission material which are used in it.
• Its concentration and purity
• Its composition
• And, the structure of the surrounding reaction system.

Specially, it is used to cause a chain reaction to continue without stopping.

Conclusion

On the whole, it is clear that the critical mass is the lowest nuclear material which is used to generate a chain reaction continuously without stopping.