In: Chemistry
Which of the following correctly describes what happens when an atomic bomb explodes? Question 1 options: Small pieces of fissionable material are joined and form a body with a mass greater than the critical mass, the relative number of neutrons escaping decreases, and a chain reaction and explosion result. Large pieces of fissionable matter are brought together quickly and form a body with a mass smaller than the critical mass, the relative number of escaping neutrons increases, and a chain reaction and explosion result. Small pieces of fissionable material are brought together to form a body with a mass smaller than the critical mass, the relative number of escaping neutrons increases, and a chain reaction and explosion occur. Large pieces of fissionable matter are brought together quickly and form a body with a mass larger than the critical mass, the relative number of escaping neutrons decreases, and a chain reaction and explosion result
1. Atomic bomb is the result of uncontrolled chain reaction. A chain reaction will be self-sustaining provided the fissionable material is large enough. If it is less, then the neutrons escape out without colliding with the nuclei inside.The amount of fissionable material needed to have self-sustaining chain reaction is called as ‘Critical mass’.
2. Also, if the fissionable material is in small pieces, the chances of neutrons that escape through the large surface area are great, and a chain reaction does not occur.
3. That is the reason small pieces of fissionable material are joined quickly to form a body with a mass greater than the critical mass, so that the relative number of neutrons escaping decreases, and a chain reaction and explosion result