In this note, we are going to learn a topic called “What is Chain Reaction?” and about its types and mechanism. Welcome to Poly Notes Hub, a leading destination for engineering notes for diploma and degree engineering students.
Author Name: Arun Paul.
What is Chain Reaction?
A Chain Reaction happens when neutrons created by the fission of one atomic nucleus trigger further fissions, resulting in a self-sustaining series of processes.
Types of Chain Reaction
There are two types of this reaction –
- Controlled Chain Reaction: It is carefully controlled to generate a continuous energy release, similar to a nuclear reactor.
- Uncontrolled Chain Reaction: It is happens quickly and releases energy explosively, much like a nuclear bomb.
Mechanism of Chain Reaction
This is the mechanism of this process –
- Neutrons are released during fission, and these particles have the ability to trigger more fissions.
- Reactor control rods can be used to absorb some of the neutrons in order to regulate the reaction.