Uranium-235 undergoes fission upon interaction with__________________?
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Answer: C. either fast or slow neutrons
Explanation
Uranium-235 possesses a high fission cross-section, allowing it to absorb both fast and slow neutrons effectively. Interaction with neutrons of varying kinetic energy levels will readily trigger the nuclear fission reaction. While thermalized slow neutrons have the highest probability of capture, fast neutrons also induce successful fission. Neutron cross-section measures the probability that a specific neutron-nucleus interaction will occur under given conditions. Fissile isotopes like uranium-235 can sustain nuclear chain reactions across a wide spectrum of neutron energies. Nuclear reactors can be designed as thermal or fast systems because uranium-235 accommodates both neutron types.
Stating it reacts with fast neutrons alone ignores the well-known high thermal fission cross-section. Stating it reacts with slow neutrons alone ignores its ability to undergo fast neutron fission as well. Medium energy neutrons also cause fission, making exclusive categories incorrect compared to both fast and slow.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Mechanical Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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