Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 31 - Nuclear Energy; Effects and Uses of Radiation - Questions - Page 909: 11

Answer

If no neutrons were released from a fission event, then the process would end after a single generation of reactions, and not be useful.

Work Step by Step

We want the fission reaction to be self-sustaining. The emitted neutrons from fission events are captured by other uranium nuclei, causing a chain reaction.
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