Neutron multiplication

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-007919",
  "term": "Neutron multiplication",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The process in which neutrons cause nuclear fissions, which in turn release more neutrons, leading to a self-sustaining chain reaction. This phenomenon is central to the operation of nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. The multiplication factor (k) quantifies the average number of neutrons from one fission that cause another fission, with k=1 indicating a critical state.",
  "subject": "Analytical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "fissile",
    "neutron"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1982, 54, 1533. 'Glossary of terms used in nuclear analytical chemistry (Provisional)' on page 1546 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac198254081533)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/neutron-multiplication/"
}