Chapter 24, Problem 62A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A chain reaction needs to be defined.

Concept introduction:

Radioactive decay is an unstable nuclei that lose energy when they emit spontaneous radiation cycle. Improbable atoms are radioactively decayed until they become stable atoms often of a dissimilar element.

Answer to Problem 62A

A nuclear fission which arises due to breaking of atom into two or more small atoms with energy and radiation is termed as nuclear chain reaction.

Explanation of Solution

Nuclear chain reaction is a nuclear fission that arises if an atom is break up into two or more small atoms with energy and radiation. More products will form if fission takes place in environment rich with other heavy isotopes. Example: each nuclear fission of uranium-235 releases extra neutrons.

Conclusion

Each fission of uranium-235 releases extra neutrons. If two neutrons are created by one fission reaction of uranium-235, those two neutrons will cause two additional fissions. If those two fissions release four neutrons, four more fission could be produced by those four neutrons, etc.