World of Chemistry
World of Chemistry
7th Edition
ISBN: 9780618562763
Author: Steven S. Zumdahl
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin College Div
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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.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

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.

Chapter 19 Solutions

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