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) 1/2
B) 1/4
C) 2
D) 4
E) 1

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The multiplication factor being maintained at unity (1) means the reactor is in a critical state, where the chain reaction is self-sustaining. Reducing power output with control rods does not change the multiplication factor from unity; it remains at 1 to keep the reactor critical.

A Nuclear Reactor Is Operating at a Certain Power Level