The amount of fissile material necessary for a self-sustained fission reaction is known as _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Critical mass is the amount of fissile material necessary for a self-sustained fission reaction to occur. This is because a critical mass contains enough fissile material for the neutrons released during fission to be absorbed by other fissile nuclei, leading to a chain reaction. Radioactivity, tonnage, and substantial mass are not directly related to the concept of critical mass.

The Amount of Fissile Material Necessary for a Self-Sustained Fission