In a controlled chain reaction, for every three neutrons released by a uranium-235 nucleus, one is absorbed into another nucleus.
The number of neutrons absorbed by another nucleus decreases slightly. For every 30 released, only nine are absorbed. What will happen?
And
For every 30 released, eleven are absorbed. What will happen?
In a controlled chain reaction involving uranium-235, the ratio of neutrons released to neutrons absorbed determines the behavior of the reaction. Let's analyze the two scenarios you mentioned:
1. For every three neutrons released, one is absorbed (a ratio of 1:3). Then, for every 30 neutrons released, we can expect about 10 neutrons to be absorbed (30/3 = 10). This means that there is sufficient absorption to maintain the chain reaction at a controlled level. The reaction will continue to sustain itself without rapidly increasing or decreasing.
2. For every 30 neutrons released, eleven are absorbed (a ratio of 11:30). In this scenario, we have an excess of neutron absorption. With more neutrons being absorbed, the number of neutrons available to sustain the chain reaction decreases. As a result, the chain reaction will likely slow down and eventually cease, as there are not enough neutrons to trigger additional fissions.
So, in summary, in the first scenario, the chain reaction will be sustained at a controlled level, while in the second scenario, the excess absorption will cause the chain reaction to slow down and stop.