Moderator is used in nuclear reactor for:
A. Slowing neutrons
B. Accelerating neutrons
C. Stopping neutrons
D. Heating neutrons
Answer
672.9k+ views
Hint: To continue the chain reaction in a nuclear reactor we have to control the speed of neutrons released from the fission reaction.
Complete step by step answer:
A moderator is a substance used to reduce the speed of neutrons. Therefore, it can sustain nuclear chain reaction in the reactor. It can increase the probability of collision between neutrons and fuel rods. Water, heavy water and graphite are the examples for moderators. Therefore, the correct option is A.
Additional information:
Moderators must have specifications for the purpose. They are,
Non-corrosiveness
High melting point for solids and low melting point for liquids
Chemical and radiation stability
High thermal stability
A nuclear reactor contains not only moderators but also fuel, control rods, coolant and containment.
Fuel: Uranium is the basic fuel used for the fission reaction. For this, pellets of uranium oxide are made into fuel rods and placed in the core of the reactor.
Control rods: These are made up of neutron absorbing materials like cadmium or hafnium. These can control the rate of production of neutrons. Thus, the chain reaction can be controlled.
Coolant: A fluid used to remove the excess heat from the system. It helps to transfer the heat from the system to outside.
Containment: It is the structure to protect the system from outside intrusion and to protect outside from the effects of radiation.
Note: Absorption of neutrons are done by the control rods. Moderators will try to reduce the speed of the neutrons. While neutrons get absorbed by control rods if the number of neutrons is more.
Complete step by step answer:
A moderator is a substance used to reduce the speed of neutrons. Therefore, it can sustain nuclear chain reaction in the reactor. It can increase the probability of collision between neutrons and fuel rods. Water, heavy water and graphite are the examples for moderators. Therefore, the correct option is A.
Additional information:
Moderators must have specifications for the purpose. They are,
Non-corrosiveness
High melting point for solids and low melting point for liquids
Chemical and radiation stability
High thermal stability
A nuclear reactor contains not only moderators but also fuel, control rods, coolant and containment.
Fuel: Uranium is the basic fuel used for the fission reaction. For this, pellets of uranium oxide are made into fuel rods and placed in the core of the reactor.
Control rods: These are made up of neutron absorbing materials like cadmium or hafnium. These can control the rate of production of neutrons. Thus, the chain reaction can be controlled.
Coolant: A fluid used to remove the excess heat from the system. It helps to transfer the heat from the system to outside.
Containment: It is the structure to protect the system from outside intrusion and to protect outside from the effects of radiation.
Note: Absorption of neutrons are done by the control rods. Moderators will try to reduce the speed of the neutrons. While neutrons get absorbed by control rods if the number of neutrons is more.
Recently Updated Pages
What is BLO What is the full form of BLO class 8 social science CBSE

Explain the Treaty of Vienna of 1815 class 10 social science CBSE

10 examples of friction in our daily life

Draw a diagram of nephron and explain its structur class 11 biology CBSE

Write structures of the following compounds i 2 Chloro3methylpentane class 11 chemistry CBSE

A Paragraph on Pollution in about 100-150 Words

Trending doubts
Explain the energy losses in the transformer How are class 12 physics CBSE

Differentiate between internal fertilization and external class 12 biology CBSE

Differentiate between lanthanoids and actinoids class 12 chemistry CBSE

The first microscope was invented by A Leeuwenhoek class 12 biology CBSE

Sketch and label the Malpighian body class 12 biology CBSE

Who is the father of zoology A Aristotle B Theophrastus class 12 biology CBSE

