Why is enrichment important for a fission chain reaction?
A. It keeps neutrons from escaping the sample.
B. It keeps neutrons from being absorbed by other isotopes.
C. It allows neutrons to be absorbed by other fissionable nuclei.
D. It provides enough fuel to make enough energy.
B. It keeps neutrons from being absorbed by other isotopes.
Enrichment is important for a fission chain reaction because it increases the concentration of fissionable nuclei (such as U-235) in a sample, which helps ensure that a sufficient number of neutrons are available to sustain the chain reaction. If the sample is not enriched, neutrons may be absorbed by other isotopes (such as U-238) rather than causing fission in the fissionable nuclei, leading to a less efficient or non-sustaining reaction.