They are used in nuclear reactor to control the rate of fission of uranium and plutonium. Because these elements have different capture cross sections for neutrons of varying energies, the compositions of the control rods must be designed for the neutron spectrum of the reactor it is supposed to control.
control rods
No, control rods are not a part of the fuel assemblies in nuclear reactors. They are separate "pieces" in the core, and essentially fit in "spaces" between fuel bundles.
Not really. Control rods are used to start up and shut down a nuclear reactor.
boron or cadmium control rods.
Control rods are made of high neutron capture materials (e.g, Boron, Cadmium, and Gadolinium)
No, control rods in nuclear reactors are not made of graphite. The control rods have to be able to gather up the neutrons to shut the reactor down, so boron is often selected. Graphite is used in some reactors as a moderator, and a moderator slows down neutrons. The slower neutrons have a greater ability to undergo neutron capture to continue the chain.
False, the fission in nuclear reactors is controlled with the movable control rods.
Control rod act as brakes to reduce the reaction rate. However as nuclear reactors have so much excess reactivity, its like a car rolling downhill: remove the control rods a bit (release the brakes some) and the reaction rate increases.
Hafnium can be used as a material for control rods in nuclear reactors. This element has a high neutron absorption cross section, and it appears as a big target for neurtons.
One or more elements that strongly absorb neutrons, some are:cadmiumboronhafniumetc.
To control the rate of energy (heat) production by the fissionable materials.
control rods