The Original Reactor Built in 1942 Was Just "Barely" Critical

question 42

Multiple Choice

The original reactor built in 1942 was just "barely" critical because the natural uranium that was used contained less than 1% of the fissionable isotope U-235 (half life 713 million years) .What if,in 1942,the Earth had been 9 billion years old instead of 4.5 billion years old? Would this reactor have reached critical stage with natural uranium? Why?

• A)No.The age of the Earth has nothing to do with the reactor reaching critical stage with U-235.
• B)No.1% of the fissionable isotope U-235 is insufficient for the reactor to reach critical stage no matter what the age of the Earth.
• C)Yes.If the Earth had been twice as old there would have then been twice as much fissionable U-235 present and the reactor would have reached critical stage.
• D)No.The increased age of the Earth would mean that there would be a much smaller percentage of U-235,thus not enough for the reactor to reach critical stage.

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Definitions:

Qualitative Research

A research method focusing on understanding concepts, thoughts, or experiences through analysis of non-numeric data, such as interviews or observations.

Observational Research

A research method involving the systematic recording of observable behaviors or events in their natural setting without intervention by the researcher.

Qualitative Research

A research method focusing on understanding concepts, thoughts, or experiences through analysis of non-numerical data, such as interviews, observations, and texts.

Ethnography

A qualitative research method focusing on the systematic study of people and cultures from the insider perspective.