answersLogoWhite

0

Hydrogenic materials, like water or heavy water, are used as moderators in nuclear reactors because they are effective at slowing down neutrons through elastic scattering. Slowing down neutrons is important to make them more likely to interact with other nuclei, initiating a chain reaction in the reactor. Hydrogen atoms in these materials have a similar mass to neutrons, making them efficient at transferring kinetic energy and slowing down the neutrons.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

1y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

How moderators reduce speed of neutrons?

Moderators reduce the speed of neutrons by using materials that have a lower atomic mass, such as water or graphite. When fast neutrons interact with these lighter atoms, they transfer some kinetic energy, slowing down in the process. This process is important in nuclear reactors to control the speed of neutrons and facilitate their interaction with fuel atoms.


What are the two substances used as moderators in nuclear reactors?

Moderators contain materials that rapidly slow neutrons down to thermal speeds without absorbing a significant number of neutrons. A few of these are:carbon, usually in the form of graphiteheavy waterlight waterhydrocarbons, like oilsberyllium (usually too expensive)etc.


What substances are used as moderators in a nuclear reactor?

Substances commonly used as moderators in nuclear reactors include light water (H2O), heavy water (D2O), and graphite. These materials help slow down fast-moving neutrons to speeds at which they are more likely to cause fission in uranium fuel.


What are the types of neutron moderators?

Neutron moderators are materials used in nuclear reactors to slow down fast neutrons, enhancing the probability of fission. Common types include water (both light and heavy), graphite, and beryllium. Each type has distinct properties that affect neutron energy and reactor efficiency. The choice of moderator is crucial for the reactor's operation and safety.


Does a breeder nuclear reactor use moderator?

No, a breeder nuclear reactor does not typically use a moderator. Breeder reactors are designed to produce more fissile material than they consume by using fast neutrons to convert non-fissile isotopes into fissile ones without slowing down the neutrons.


Why moderator is not required in fast reactors?

a moderator would slow the neutrons, hindering breeding


What in nuclear reactors to absorb neutrons?

Control rods, typically made of materials such as boron or cadmium, are used in nuclear reactors to absorb neutrons and regulate the nuclear reaction. By controlling the number of neutrons present, the rate of fission reactions can be managed to maintain a steady level of power generation.


What kind of elements are used in nuclear reactors?

Uranium is the fuel... moderators can be water... control rods are various substances to absorb extra neutrons some use carbon. Steel (iron) is what the reactor vessel is made of.


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.


Which is or are used in nuclear reactors to absorb neutrons?

control rods


What absorbs neutrons in a nuclear reactor and begins with C?

We see the use of control rods in a reactor to absorb neutrons. These rods are often made of boron.


Is moderation of neutrons always used to slow nuclear fission?

No, moderation of neutrons is not always used to slow nuclear fission. In some types of nuclear reactors, such as fast breeder reactors, fast neutrons are intentionally not moderated to slow down the fission process. These reactors operate using fast neutrons to sustain a chain reaction. However, in most commercial nuclear reactors, moderation of neutrons is employed to slow down the fission process and maintain a controlled chain reaction.