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Chapter 21: Problem 40

Explain the functions of a moderator and a control rod in a nuclear reactor.

Short Answer

Expert verified
In a nuclear reactor, a moderator slows down the fast neutrons produced by nuclear fission, making it possible for more nuclear fissions to occur. Control rods, on the other hand, absorb neutrons to control the rate of nuclear fission, thereby regulating the amount of energy produced.

Step by step solution

01

Function of a Moderator

The moderator is responsible for slowing down the fast neutrons produced by nuclear fission. Doing this increases the possibility of more nuclear fissions occurring since slow neutrons are more likely to cause fission. Common moderators include light water, heavy water, or graphite.
02

Function of Control Rods

Control rods are used to control the fission rate of uranium and plutonium. They perform this function by absorbing the neutrons that are released during nuclear fission. By adjusting the height of the control rods inside the nuclear reactor, we can control the number of neutrons that participate in the chain reaction; therefore, the amount of energy produced can be regulated. Control rods are usually made of materials like boron, silver, indium and cadmium that are good neutron absorbers.
03

Balancing the Role of Moderator and Control Rods

Together, the moderator and control rods regulate the nuclear fission process inside a nuclear reactor. The moderator slows down the neutrons to make them suitable for causing additional fissions, while the control rods can absorb neutrons to decrease the fission rate when required. The balance between these two functions helps maintaining the chain reaction at a steady level, thus ensuring the controlled production of heat.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A freshly isolated sample of \(90 \mathrm{Y}\) was found to have an activity of \(9.8 \times 10^{5}\) disintegrations per minute at 1: 00 P.M. on December \(3,2000 .\) At 2: 15 P.M. on December \(17,2000,\) its activity was redetermined and found to be \(2.6 \times 10^{4}\) disintegrations per minute. Calculate the half-life of \(90 \mathrm{Y}\).

A radioactive isotope of copper decays as follows: $$ { }^{64} \mathrm{Cu} \longrightarrow{ }^{64} \mathrm{Zn}+{ }_{-1}^{0} \beta \quad t_{\frac{1}{2}}=12.8 \mathrm{~h} $$ Starting with \(84.0 \mathrm{~g}\) of \({ }^{64} \mathrm{Cu},\) calculate the quantity of \(^{64}\) Zn produced after 18.4 h.

Which of the following poses a greater health hazard: a radioactive isotope with a short half-life or a radioactive isotope with a long half-life? Explain. [Assume same type of radiation \((\alpha\) or \(\beta)\) and comparable energetics per particle emitted.

After the Chernobyl accident, people living close to the nuclear reactor site were urged to take large amounts of potassium iodide as a safety precaution. What is the chemical basis for this action?

Consider the decay series \(\mathrm{A} \longrightarrow \mathrm{B} \longrightarrow \mathrm{C} \longrightarrow \mathrm{D}\) where \(A, B,\) and \(C\) are radioactive isotopes with halflives of \(4.50 \mathrm{~s}, 15.0\) days, and \(1.00 \mathrm{~s},\) respectively, and \(\mathrm{D}\) is nonradioactive. Starting with 1.00 mole of A, and none of \(\mathrm{B}, \mathrm{C},\) or \(\mathrm{D},\) calculate the number of moles of \(\mathrm{A}, \mathrm{B}, \mathrm{C},\) and \(\mathrm{D}\) left after 30 days.
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