Define the multiplication factor $(k)$ in the context of a nuclear chain reaction.

(N/A) The multiplication factor $(k)$ is defined as the ratio of the number of neutrons present at the beginning of a particular generation to the number of neutrons present at the beginning of the preceding generation.
Mathematically,$k = \frac{\text{Number of neutrons in a given generation}}{\text{Number of neutrons in the preceding generation}}$.
- If $k = 1$,the chain reaction is steady (critical state).
- If $k > 1$,the chain reaction is accelerating (supercritical state).
- If $k < 1$,the chain reaction dies out (subcritical state).