Nuclear physics: critical state and fission

In summary, a nuclear reactor in a critical state releases an average of one additional fission per fission, resulting in a power output of 25 kW. When the average number of additional fissions rises above one, the reactor enters a supercritical state and the fission rate and thermal power output increase rapidly. To reach a power output of 3800 MW, the reactor must undergo a 1% increase in fissions every 1.3*10^-8 seconds, taking approximately 0.00196 seconds to reach this output.
  • #1
lovelyrwwr
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When a nuclear reactor is in a critical state, the neutrons released in each fission trigger an average of exactly one additional fission. If the average number of additional fissions triggered rises above one, the reactor enters a supercritical state in which the fission rate and the thermal power output both grow very rapidly. A reactor in a critical state has a power output of 25 kW. The reactor then enters a supercritical state in which each fission triggers an average of 1.01 additional fissions. The average time it takes for the neutrons released by one generation of fissions to trigger the next generation of fissions is 1.3 × 10-8 s. How much time elapses before the reactor's power output from a single generation of fissions grows to 3800 MW (which is roughly the normal output of a commercial reactor)?


My attempt
[(1.3E-8 seconds)(3800MW)(1000)] / [1.01(25KW)] = 0.00196 seconds but this answer is wrong according to my online homework site.

Please help thank you so much.
 
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  • #2
Why are you using that formula?
 
  • #3
Hint: Let x0 = number of fissions which equals a power output of 25 kW.
Let x1 = number of fissions which equals a power output of 3800 kW.

What is the ratio of x1 to x0? If x0 grows by 1% every 1.3*10^-8 s, how long does it take x0 to increase to x1?
 

Related to Nuclear physics: critical state and fission

1. What is the critical state in nuclear physics?

The critical state in nuclear physics refers to the point at which a nuclear reaction becomes self-sustaining. This occurs when the number of neutrons produced by fission is equal to the number of neutrons lost, resulting in a constant rate of nuclear reactions.

2. How does fission occur in nuclear physics?

Fission occurs in nuclear physics when a heavy nucleus, such as uranium or plutonium, is struck by a neutron. This causes the nucleus to split into two smaller nuclei, releasing energy and additional neutrons which can then go on to cause further fission reactions.

3. What is the role of criticality in nuclear reactors?

Criticality is essential for nuclear reactors to function properly. By maintaining a critical state, the reactor can sustain a controlled chain reaction, producing large amounts of heat that can be used to generate electricity.

4. How is the critical state controlled in nuclear reactors?

The critical state in nuclear reactors is controlled by regulating the number of neutrons present in the reactor. This is achieved through the use of control rods, which absorb excess neutrons and slow down the chain reaction, ensuring the reactor remains in a stable and safe state.

5. What is the difference between critical and supercritical states in nuclear physics?

The critical state, as discussed above, refers to the point at which a nuclear reaction is self-sustaining. In contrast, the supercritical state is when the number of neutrons produced is greater than the number lost, resulting in an increasing rate of nuclear reactions. This can lead to an uncontrolled chain reaction, which can be dangerous and must be avoided in nuclear reactors.

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