In a thermal reactor the mean lifetime of one generation of thermal neutrons is `tau=0.10 s`. Assuming the multiplication constant to be equal to `k=1.010`, find :
(a) how many times the number of neutrons in the reactor, and consequently its power, will increase over `t=1.0 mi n` ,
(b) the period `T` of the reactor, i.e., the time period over which its power increases `e-fold.

Explanation

(a) This number is `K^(n-1)` where `n=` no. of generations in time `t=t//T` Substitution gives `388`.
(b) We write `k^(n-1)=e^(((T)/(tau)-1)In k)`
or `(T)/(tau)-1=(1)/(In k)` and `T=tau(1+(1)/(In k))=10.15 sec`