Week 4 - The Six Factor Formula

We've reached the end of our nuclear journey. If a single fission produces a small amount of energy, just think what thousands of fissions will do. This week we examine the life of a neutron in the nuclear core and how we use the fission reaction to create a self sustaining environment in a nuclear reactor. First watch the video, I'll try to explain things in every day language. Then go a bit more in depth by viewing the Neutron Life Cycle Module from a Canadian Engineering Course. How do I know it's Canadian, well they discuss using heavy water in the reactor. If you're wondering why, heavy water or H3O does not absorb any neutrons thus leaving them all for other purposes. Reactors that use H2O have a possibility of absorbing neutrons in the moderator. Let's face it Nuclear Power is all about the neutrons. After you've watched the video and done the reading, complete the Neutron Life Cycle template. This is a graded exercise so pay attention to how you answer. Completing this will give you all a good idea about the day in a life of a neutron. Lastly....the final. The final is worth 30 points. SHOW YOUR WORK!! There's quite a bit of math on the final involving decimals, so be careful. Having reached the end, I would be very interested in your feedback. What you liked, didn't like. What could be improved or omitted. This is your course. Take the time to make it the way you want it. I hope you conclude that this was time well spent.