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a moderator would slow the neutrons, hindering breeding
Vanessa Nader
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Does a breeder nuclear reactor use moderator?
Thermal Breeder Reactors use moderators but Fast Breeder Reactors don't use moderator.
What is the moderator in US nuclear power plants?
Neutrons released from the fissioning, or splitting, of Uranium or Plutonium atoms collide with the molecules of the moderator, losing some of their energy in the process. This slows the neutrons down (slow neutrons are referred to as "thermal" neutrons") so that they are more likely to cause fission when colliding with another Uranium or Plutonium atom. In the most common types of reactors the moderator used is ordinary distilled water which is also used as the coolant for the reactor. Graphite and heavy water can also be used, and there are types of reactors which use no moderator at all - they operate on "fast" neutrons alone.
Are control rods in nuclear reactors made of graphite?
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.
Is power reactor a thermal reactor?
All power reactors are thermal reactors except few ones that are fast nuclear reactors.
Why is graphite used in nuclear reactors?
Graphite can be used as a moderator, that is to slow down the fast neutrons produced in fission. Early reactors including Hanford and Windscale used graphite, and in the UK this type of reactor was built extensively for power production. However water reactors such as PWR and BWR have proved cheaper to build and have a longer life, so graphite is now little used, there are a few still running but none being planned or built as far as I know.
Why is moderator not required in modern fast reactors?
a moderator would slow the neutrons, hindering breeding
Does a breeder nuclear reactor use moderator?
Thermal Breeder Reactors use moderators but Fast Breeder Reactors don't use moderator.
Can a reactor without moderator is present?
Yes, they are fast nuclear reactors
Why sodium is used in nuclear reactors?
efficient coolant that does not act as a neutron moderator.
What are the moderator used in a nuclear reactor with natural uranium?
The moderator used in nuclear reactors with natural uranium is generally the heavy water (D2O).
Do moderator in nuclear reactor slows down the neutrons emitted during fission?
Yes, it is the main moderator function in what is called "thermal nuclear reactors"
Are there more fast breeder or thermal nuclear reactors?
Most nuclear reactors are thermal-neutron reactors. A few fast breeder reactors have been built, but not many.
What is used as an efficient moderator in a majority of reactors?
Light water (H2O) and heavy water (D2O)
Is helium or carbon or hydrogen or beryllium the best ideal moderator for use in the core of a nuclear reactor?
Carbon is a very good moderator, for use in gascooled reactors, the others not.
What is a moderator when it concerns nuclear energy?
A moderator is a material that slows fast neutrons.
How much temperature can be controlled by liquid sodium in nuclear reactors?
Liquid sodium has been used as a coolant in fast reactors, because it does not slow down and absorb fast neutrons. It does not control the nuclear reaction directly, for that variable neutron absorbers are required.
What are the uses of carbon heavy water and concrete in the nuclear reactor?
Carbon in the form of graphite is used in some types of reactors as the moderator*.Heavy water is used in some types of reactors as the moderator*.Light water is used in some types of reactors as the moderator*.Light water is used in most current types of reactors as coolant and in the form of steam to drive the turbines.Liquid metals (Sodium, NaK, Mercury, etc.) are used in some types of reactors as coolant.Concrete, often borated concrete to absorb neutrons better, is used in reactors as radiation shielding.*Moderator: a material that slows highly energetic fission neutrons rapidly to thermal energies to prevent their capture by Uranium-238 and increase their chance of causing more fissions of Uranium-235 to keep the reactor running.
