(nuclear physics) The point at which the prompt neutrons produced by a nuclear fission chain reaction are just sufficient to sustain the chain reaction on their own (the state of being prompt critical); past this point, changes in reaction power are controlled by changes in the prompt neutron flux, and occur on a timeframe of milliseconds, too rapidly to be controlled by mechanical means.

(nuclear physics) The point at which the prompt neutrons and delayed neutrons produced by a nuclear fission chain reaction, taken together, are just sufficient to sustain the chain reaction (the state of being delayed critical); in this state, changes in reaction power occur slowly, allowing the reaction to be controlled on human timescales, due to the relatively long time delay associated with the emission of the delayed neutrons necessary to maintain the chain reaction.

plural of delayed criticality

(nuclear physics) Of the point where the prompt neutrons produced by a nuclear fission chain reaction are just sufficient to sustain the chain reaction on their own, past which changes in reaction power occur on a timeframe of milliseconds, too rapidly for a human operator to control.

(nuclear physics) Of the point at which the prompt neutrons and delayed neutrons produced by a nuclear fission chain reaction, taken together, are just sufficient to sustain the chain reaction, where changes in reaction power occur slowly.

plural of prompt criticality

plural of critical angle

Capable of criticizing oneself; able to find mistakes and possibilities for improvement in one's own work.

The examination and critique of society and literature, drawing from knowledge across social science and the humanities.

(philosophy) The proposition that scientific theories, and any other claims to knowledge, can and should be rationally criticized, and, if they have empirical content, can and should be subjected to tests which may falsify them.