Question

Why neutrons with lower energy should be capable of causing fission?

(a) For faster reaction process

(b) For sustained reaction process

(c) For Safety purpose

(d) In order to not waste the nuclear fuel

The question was asked in an internship interview.

This interesting question is from Nuclear Fission & Nuclear Fusion in chapter Nuclear Power Plant of Energy Engineering

Answer 1

The correct answer is (b) For sustained reaction process

For explanation: Due to collisions with various nuclei, initial high kinetic energy of fission neutron decreases. Thus for a sustained reaction, eve neutrons with lower energy should be capable of causing fission. Only neutrons can result in sustained reaction as two or three neutrons are released for each one absorbed by fission.