answersLogoWhite

0

Moderators are not used in a breeder reactor because their primary purpose is to slow down neutrons to increase the likelihood of fission events in a thermal reactor. In a breeder reactor, fast neutrons are required to convert non-fissile uranium-238 into fissile plutonium-239, so using a moderator would hinder this process.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

1y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Physics

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 normal water is not used as moderator in nuclear reactor?

Normal water, or light water, absorbs too many neutrons to be an effective moderator in a nuclear reactor. This absorption can make it difficult to sustain a nuclear chain reaction. Instead, reactors often use heavy water or graphite as a moderator, which have lower neutron absorption rates.


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.


What are the functions of the moderator and the control rods in a fission reactor?

Moderator: slows fast fission neutrons (several MeV energy) to slow "thermal" neutrons ( <5eV energy), making it less likely for Uranium-238 to capture them and more likely for them to cause fission of Uranium-235. Breeder reactors don't use moderator. Control rods: absorb excess neutrons to allow the operating reactor to be kept EXACTLY critical and under control. They are equivalent to the accelerator & brake in a car. SCRAM rods: absorb neutrons for emergency shutdown. They are equivalent to emergency brake in a car. Did I answer more than you asked?


Which is used as moderator in nuclear reactor?

Control rods are used as moderators in nuclear reactors to regulate the rate of fission reactions by absorbing neutrons. By adjusting the position of the control rods, the reactor can be managed to sustain a controlled chain reaction.

Related Questions

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 bare reactor?

It is a nuclear reactor without reflector, consisting only from fuel and moderator.


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.


Does a graphite moderator cool a reactor?

The primary role of graphite moderator is to moderate the neutron energies however it may also capture some heat during reactor operation.


Why normal water is not used as moderator in nuclear reactor?

Normal water, or light water, absorbs too many neutrons to be an effective moderator in a nuclear reactor. This absorption can make it difficult to sustain a nuclear chain reaction. Instead, reactors often use heavy water or graphite as a moderator, which have lower neutron absorption rates.


Can you use tritium water as moderator in nuclear reactor?

Yes, tritium water can be used as a moderator in a nuclear reactor. However, tritium itself is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, so careful handling and safety measures are required due to its potential health risks. Research is being conducted on the use of tritium in nuclear fusion reactors, but it is not commonly used as a moderator in fission reactors.


Why does the core of the reactor have a moderator?

The core of the reactor contains the nuclear fuel. Having a moderator in place within the core ensures that the nuclear fuel is processed at an accurate time duration. This can prevent serious problems from occurring within the entire nuclear reactor.


Can a reactor without moderator is present?

Yes, they are fast nuclear reactors


Can you use tritium as moderator in nuclear reactors?

Yes, but it would usually be too expensive as tritium must be made in a reactor from lithium.


What is the difference between a neutron shield and a neutron moderator?

Shielding is used to prevent the escape of neutrons from a reactor. A moderator is used in the reactor to undergo collisions with a neutron. The neutrons produced in fission collide with the molecules of the moderator, imparting their kinetic energy on them. This generates heat in the reactor. (Temperature is the measure of the average random molecular kinetic energy of a substance).


Why is a moderator necessary in a reactor?

A moderator is necessary in a reactor to slow down fast-moving neutrons produced during nuclear fission. This helps control the rate of reaction and enables more neutrons to be captured by other atoms, sustaining the chain reaction. Additionally, the moderator helps manage the temperature and pressure within the reactor to prevent overheating and maintain stability.


Two important functions of heavy water in a candu reactor?

moderator, coolant