Multiple choice

Which of the following factors would determine the critical mass of a fissile substance?

  1. Density
  2. Enrichment
  3. Purity
  4. Temperature

  1. 1, 2 and 4

  2. 1, 3 and 4

  3. 2, 3 and 4

  4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

A critical mass is the smallest amount of fissile material needed for a sustained nuclear chain reaction. The critical mass of a fissionable material depends upon its nuclear properties (specifically, the nuclear fission cross-section), its density, its shape, its enrichment, its purity, its temperature, and its surroundings. The concept is important in nuclear weapon design.

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