Answer to Question #108336 in Quantum Mechanics for Shivi

Question

Define multiplication factor. When is a reactor said to be supercritical, critical and
subcritical? Write the importance of multiplication factor in a nuclear reactor.

Answer 1

The multiplication factor k is the number of neutrons in one generation divided by number of neutrons in the preceding generation.

A reactor is supercritical when k>1.

A reactor is critical when k=1.

A reactor is subcritical when k1.

The multiplication factor allows computing whether the neutron population will grow exponentially (supercritical), decay exponentially (subcritical), or remain constant (critical).