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Yes, it is the main moderator function in what is called "thermal nuclear reactors"

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In a nuclear reactor why does the moderator need to slow down the neutrons?

Nuclear fission of Uranium-235 is more efficient when hit by neutrons with low energy of the order of electron volts. However, neutrons coming from fission are at high energies around 2 megaelectron volt. Accordingly, the moderator is needed to slow down the neutrons coming from fission to low energy values through scattering process with moderator molecules. This is the concept of the so called "thermal nuclear reactors"


In nuclear reactor heavy water is used as?

Heavy water (deuterium) functions as a moderator. It slows down fast neutrons released by fission reactions in order to allow the reaction to be sustained. Fast neutrons pass through the reactor before initiating another fission reaction.


Why is the moderator important in a nuclear reactor?

The moderator is used to slow down the neutrons present in the core of the reactor. Normally the neutrons produced as the nuclear fuel (e.g. uranium) is fissioned are travelling too fast to produce a sustained chain reaction. Some examples of moderators are cadmium, heavy water and graphite.


How does nuclear fission create radiation?

Nuclear fission is the splitting of an atomic nucleus, which releases a large amount of energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation and subatomic particles. This radiation can be in the form of gamma rays, neutrons, and beta particles, which are emitted during the fission process.


Why moderator is not used in case of fast breeder reactor?

Moderator is not used in case of fast breeder reactor because there is no need to slow down neutron energy. Nuclear fission takes place at high energy of neutrons.

Related Questions

What does a moderator do in nuclear power plants?

The moderator slows (moderates their speed/energy) neutrons from the 1 MeV that they have when emitted in fission to less than 1 eV.The reason a moderator is needed in most reactors is that their fuel is still mostly Uranium-238, which easily captures 1 MeV neutrons and potentially stopping the neutron chain reaction but is unable to capture neutrons less than 1 eV which still easily fission the small percentage of Uranium-235 in the fuel.


In a nuclear reactor why does the moderator need to slow down the neutrons?

Nuclear fission of Uranium-235 is more efficient when hit by neutrons with low energy of the order of electron volts. However, neutrons coming from fission are at high energies around 2 megaelectron volt. Accordingly, the moderator is needed to slow down the neutrons coming from fission to low energy values through scattering process with moderator molecules. This is the concept of the so called "thermal nuclear reactors"


What is the function of moderator and control rods in fission reactors?

The moderator slows down neutrons to enhance the likelihood of fission reactions. Control rods absorb neutrons to regulate the rate of the fission chain reaction in the reactor core. Together, they help maintain safe and controlled nuclear reactions in a fission reactor.


In nuclear reactor heavy water is used as?

Heavy water (deuterium) functions as a moderator. It slows down fast neutrons released by fission reactions in order to allow the reaction to be sustained. Fast neutrons pass through the reactor before initiating another fission reaction.


How does the role of the moderater work in nuclear power plants?

The moderator in a nuclear reactor slows (moderates) the neutrons that are released during fission, so that they can subsequently cause fission in other atoms. When the neutrons are initially released, they tend to have too much energy, which impacts their ability to cause subsequent fission.


Primary function of moderator in nuclear reactor?

The primary function of a moderator in a nuclear reactor is to slow down the fast neutrons produced during fission reactions, making them more likely to cause additional fission events. This helps sustain a chain reaction by ensuring a sufficient number of neutrons are available to continue the process. Common moderators include water, graphite, and heavy water.


Why you use moderators in a nuclear reaction chamber during a fission chain reaction?

A moderator in a fission chain reaction is a system (usually water) that slows neutrons down (decreases their energy) to the point where they can interact with fissile material, causing the fission reaction to be self sustaining. This is necessary because, without the moderator, the neutrons emitted from fission have too much energy to cause subsequent fission. The design of the moderator is such that it provides automatic control of the reaction. As it heats up, the moderation effect decreases, causing the reaction to decrease. Conversely, as it cools down, the moderation effect increases, causing the reaction to increase. In the event that the moderator fails, such as when a depressurization event causes the water to flash to steam, the loss of moderation causes the fission reaction to stop.


What is the function of a moderator in a reactor?

A moderator in a nuclear reactor slows down fast-moving neutrons to increase the likelihood of fission reactions. By reducing the speed of neutrons, the moderator helps maintain a chain reaction within the reactor core. This process helps control the nuclear reaction and sustain the reactor's power output.


Why is the moderator important in a nuclear reactor?

The moderator is used to slow down the neutrons present in the core of the reactor. Normally the neutrons produced as the nuclear fuel (e.g. uranium) is fissioned are travelling too fast to produce a sustained chain reaction. Some examples of moderators are cadmium, heavy water and graphite.


What is a moderator when it concerns nuclear energy?

A moderator is a material that slows fast neutrons.


What is the moderator in nuclear power plants?

The moderator in a nuclear power plant is the substance that is used to slow down neutrons that are generated by the fission reactions. When fissile material fissions, fission fragments appear, as do neutrons. These neutrons, which leave the fission reaction with a heap of kinetic energy, might go on to cause more fissions (in a chain reactions) if they can be thermalized (slowed). Slowing (moderating) the neutrons increases the probability that they will be absorbed to cause another fission.Depending on the plant design, a few common ones now are:waterheavy watergraphitenone (in fast breeder reactors)


What is the function of graphite in a nuclear reactor?

Graphite is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors to slow down neutrons produced during nuclear fission. Slower neutrons are more likely to cause additional fission reactions, allowing for a sustained nuclear reaction. Graphite is also used as a structural material in some reactor designs.