To maintain a steady, constant rate of thermal output via a continuous chain reaction, the neutron population generation ratio must be kept at________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: D. equal to 1.0
Explanation
A steady thermal power output requires the neutron population to remain perfectly constant over time. The multiplication factor measures the ratio of neutrons produced to neutrons lost in each generation. Setting this reproduction ratio precisely to 1.0 ensures neither growth nor decline in power. Nuclear reactors achieve a balanced steady state when neutron production equals absorption and leakage. Control absorbers and moderator temperature coefficients help maintain this exact equilibrium automatically. Reactor kinetics equations mathematically govern how neutron populations respond to reactivity adjustments.
Power plant operators must maintain steady-state conditions to supply reliable electricity to the grid. Deviations from a ratio of 1.0 lead either to dangerous power surges or reactor shutdown. Automated control systems continuously regulate reactivity to keep the multiplication factor stable. Option A causes a supercritical condition where power output increases exponentially over time. Option B causes a subcritical condition where the reactor power output steadily decreases to zero. Option C and E would represent complete physical impossibility or immediate destructive power excursions.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Mechanical Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
Related questions
Q1. Within breeder reactor cores, the continuous creation of newly fashioned fissile atoms is_________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: B. at a higher rate than the constuption
Breeder reactors operate by producing new fissile atoms faster than existing fissile atoms are consumed. This net positive breeding gain allows the reactor to generate more usable fuel than it burns. The conversion ratio...
Q2. To ensure the economically viable operation of a nuclear power plant__________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. used fuel should be reprocessed
Used nuclear fuel contains unburnt fissile isotopes and valuable fertile materials. Reprocessing recovers these reusable materials through chemical separation and purification processes. Recycling nuclear fuel reduces wa...
Q3. Nuclear reactor moderators are incorporated for the specific purpose of__________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: D. cause collision with the fast moving neutrons to reduce their speed
Nuclear moderators reduce the velocity of fast neutrons by forcing frequent elastic collisions with light nuclei. Slowing down these particles transforms them into thermal neutrons with much higher cross-sections for fis...
Q4. In an ideal scenario, the spatial neutron flux distribution across a reactor core ought to be__________________ ?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: C. uniform throughout
An even spatial neutron flux distribution ensures uniform power generation and prevents localized hot spots within the reactor core.
Q5. Identify the incorrect statement regarding fast breeder reactors__________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: E. use water as coolant
Fast breeder reactors require unmoderated neutron spectra and utilize liquid metal coolants instead of water. Water acts as a strong neutron moderator, which slows down neutrons and defeats the fast breeder design. Liqui...
Q6. A pressurized water reactor incorporates a dedicated pressurizer for what operational purpose________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. to maintain constant pressure in primary circuit under varying load
A pressurized water reactor uses a dedicated pressurizer connected directly to the primary coolant loop. Electric heaters and water sprays inside the pressurizer regulate system pressure precisely. This maintains constan...