Question

The operation of a nuclear reactor is said to be critical, if the multiplication factor $(k)$ has a value

• A. 1
• B. $1.5$
• C. $2.1$
• D. $2.5$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

The multiplication factor $(k)$ is an important reactor parameter and is the ratio of number of neutrons present at the beginning of a particular generation to the number present at the beginning of the next generation. It is a measure of the growth rate of the neutrons in the reactor. For $k=1$, the operation of the reactor is said to be critical.