For Students · Fission Chain Reaction
Fission Chain Reaction for a PET scan
Built for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition. Simulate a PET scan live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.
Fission Chain ReactionLive
the multiplication factor k
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Each fission releases neutrons that can trigger more fissions. The multiplication factor k is how many of those neutrons cause a new fission on average. Below 1 the chain dies out; exactly 1 sustains steady power — a running reactor; above 1 it grows exponentially. Control rods nudge k around 1 to hold a reactor critical.
Data Inspector
k factor1.000
Generation0
Statecritical (steady)
Governing equation
Reading this result: k is essentially 1: on average one neutron per fission triggers the next, a self-sustaining steady chain — a running reactor.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is this good for students?
- Yes — this version of "Fission Chain Reaction for a PET scan" is framed for students learning it for a class or exam. See the concept move instead of memorizing formulas — and check your homework intuition.
- Do I need to install anything?
- No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.