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QuizMultiple Choice

Nuclear Energy — Test

Question 1 • SC332 Environmental Science B

What happens when the amount of fissionable material exceeds the critical mass?

Answer
A
The chain reaction accelerates as more neutrons are generated with each round of reaction.
B
The chain reaction is not sustained and eventually stops.
C
The density of the reacting particles decreases, slowing the reaction.
D
The amount of material needed to establish a new critical mass increases.

Explanation

Critical mass is the minimum amount of fissionable material needed to sustain a chain reaction. Above critical mass, enough neutrons from each round cause further fissions, so the reaction accelerates as more neutrons are generated. Therefore, the correct choice is A, the chain reaction accelerates.

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