13. Chain Reaction

When a neutron strikes a uranium nucleus (\(U^{235}\)), the process of fission occurs, creating three neutrons. These three neutrons produce a fission reaction in three more uranium nuclei in the sample, thus resulting in nine neutrons. These nine neutrons undergo fission and make another twenty-seven neutrons, and so on. This type of reaction is known as a Chain reaction.

 

Generally, two types of chain reactions are possible. They are
(i) Controlled chain reaction
(ii) Uncontrolled chain reaction

The number of neutrons released in a controlled chain reaction is always one. This is accomplished by using a neutron absorber to absorb the excess neutrons released during the process, leaving only one neutron to produce further fission. As a result, the reaction is kept under control.

 

 

The energy released by a regulated chain reaction can be used for many constructive purposes. In a nuclear reactor, the controlled chain reaction is employed to produce energy in a predictable manner over a long period.

 

The quantity of neutrons multiplies endlessly in an uncontrolled chain reaction, causing fission in a huge mass of fissile material. This causes a massive amount of energy to be released in a fraction of a second. This chain reaction is employed in an atom bomb to create an explosion.

 

 

It is calculated that \(10^{23}\) uranium atoms undergo fission in \(one\ minute\) in an uncontrolled chain reaction.

 

The main difference between the controlled and uncontrolled chain reactions is that an enormous amount of energy is released in a short span of time and causes an explosion in an uncontrolled reaction. Whereas in the controlled reaction, the energy is released in a slow and controlled manner, which can be effectively used without causing any destructive explosions.