A nuclear reactor is operating at a certain power level, with its multiplication factor adjusted to unity.The control rods are now used to reduce the power output to one-half its former value.After the reduction in power the multiplication factor is maintained at:
A)1/4
B)1/2
C)1
D)2
E)4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The multiplication factor (k) being unity means the reactor is critical and the chain reaction is self-sustaining at a constant rate. Reducing the power output by half does not change the fact that the reactor remains critical for the new power level; thus, the multiplication factor remains 1.

A Nuclear Reactor Is Operating at a Certain Power Level