CRITICAL MASS


Meaning of CRITICAL MASS in English

Minimum amount of a given fissionable material necessary to achieve a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction under specified conditions.

Critical mass depends on several factors, including the kind of fissionable material used, its concentration and purity, and the composition and geometry of the surrounding reaction system.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.