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 - Misconceptual Questions - Page 910: 3

Answer

Choice C.

Work Step by Step

The critical mass for a chain reaction is independent of melting point, boiling point, the status of the valence shells, and the nuclear density is roughly constant for all atoms. If each fission were to release additional neutrons, having these additional neutrons would make it more likely to start a new reaction. The critical mass needed for a chain reaction would be smaller.
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