Effective neutron multiplication factor

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    Multiplication Neutron
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of the effective neutron multiplication factor (k) in nuclear chain reactions, exploring its implications when k equals 1, is greater than 1, or is less than 1. Participants seek clarification on the meaning of maintaining a constant number of neutrons in the context of critical, subcritical, and supercritical chain reactions, with examples being requested.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the effective neutron multiplication factor and its significance in maintaining a constant neutron population during a chain reaction.
  • One participant states that for a critical chain reaction, k must equal 1, implying that the number of neutrons remains constant across generations.
  • Another participant mentions that in an over-critical chain reaction, the number of neutrons increases exponentially, contrasting with the critical case.
  • There is a discussion about different types of chain reactions: under-critical, critical, and over-critical, with some participants seeking clarification on these distinctions.
  • One participant proposes a formula to illustrate the concept of k_eff, suggesting that it involves the production and absorption of neutrons during fission.
  • Another participant questions the interpretation of neutron production and loss in the context of the proposed formulas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the effective neutron multiplication factor and its implications. While some agree on the definition of a critical chain reaction, others highlight confusion and seek further examples and clarification. No consensus is reached on the specifics of the examples or formulas presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference external resources and images to support their claims, but there is uncertainty regarding the definitions and implications of the terms used in the discussion. The discussion reflects a mix of exploratory reasoning and technical inquiry without resolving the underlying questions.

Physicsissuef
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Can somebody please explain effective neutron multiplication factor, with example? So when k=1, k>1, k<1 , please give me some example.

k=\frac{N_2}{N_1}=\frac{N_3}{N_2}=...=\frac{N_i}{N_i_-_1}
 
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malawi, somebody helppp please?
 
but hey you asked just 4h ago! Remember that the majority of PF-users are from the states and they sleeping at the moment..

Also, again, if this is course work post at approriate subforum. Otherwise, why is this (and other questions that you ask here) urgent??


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_chain_reaction
 
I read that but still can't understand what does it mean to keep constant the neutrons number. Please give me any example.
 
Physicsissuef said:
I read that but still can't understand what does it mean to keep constant the neutrons number. Please give me any example.

I don't understand what you don't understand, please clarify.

Why is it so hard to understand that in order to retain a ciritical chain reaction, k must be equal to 1.

Why should I construct an example for you if you can't even answer my questions:

"Also, again, if this is course work post at approriate subforum. Otherwise, why is this (and other questions that you ask here) urgent??"
 
So in the first generation must be there 1 neutron, and in the second generation must have 1 neutron.

\frac{1}{1}=\frac{2}{2}=\frac{3}{3}=\frac{4}{4}..., like this?

But as I know chain reaction goes with 1 neutron, then 3 neutrons, 9, 27...
 
yes an over-critical chain reaction does that, but an exactly critical has k=1
 
In my book have same picture like this, and it says, this is http://media.wiley.com/assets/83/12/fg0-7645-5430-1_0503.jpg"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
yes, but they have not specidied what KIND of chain reaction it is..

there exists 3kinds of chain reactions:
under critical, cirical & over critical
 
  • #10
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11
or maybe \frac{1}{1+0}? Probably "neutron production from fission in one generation" means the neutron which is not absorbed nor lost to the system, right?
 
  • #12
its 2/(1+1)

2 neutrons are produced, one is absorbed, one is lost in the system.
 
  • #13
In the preceding one is lost...
 

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