Supercriticality
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-28
CORE DEFINITION
In the operation of a nuclear reactor, criticality or critical state is the state in which a nuclear chain reaction is self-sustaining but not growing. Subcriticality or subcritical state is the state in which a nuclear chain reaction is not self-sustaining. Supercriticality or supercritical state is the state in which a nuclear chain reaction is self-sustaining and growing. Sometimes, less preferred.
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In the operation of a nuclear reactor, criticality or critical state is the state in which a nuclear chain reaction is self-sustaining but not growing. Subcriticality or subcritical state is the state in which a nuclear chain reaction is not self-sustaining.
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Supercriticality refers to the state where the temperature and pressure of a substance exceed its critical point, causing the gas-liquid phase boundary to disappear, forming a supercritical fluid that possesses both gas-like diffusivity and liquid-like dissolving power. Its unique properties are often used in extraction and reactions.
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticality_%28status%29verified
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