Nuclear Reactors Have to Work-Safely

Question 1

Look at diagram page 72

Answer 1

Ok

Question 2

What do the neutrons released by fission reactions in a nuclear reactor have?

Answer 2

A lot of energy

Question 3

What needs to happen to the neutrons in order to be absorbed by uranium nuclei and sustain the chain reaction?

Answer 3

They need to be slowed down

Question 4

What does the moderator do?

Answer 4

Slows down neutrons

Question 5

What do control rods do?

Answer 5

Limit the rate of fission by absorbing excess neutrons

Question 6

The high-energy neutrons and gamma rays released in fission are…

Answer 6

Highly penetrating ionising radiation

Question 7

Why does shielding have to be used?

Answer 7

To absorb the ionising radiation

Question 8

What is the shielding?

Answer 8

Usually a thick concrete structure, which may also contain lead or other materials

Question 9

What does a substance pumped round the reactor do?

Answer 9

Transfers the energy to the water in the heat exchanger

Question 10

What does the water do and what happens after that?

Answer 10

Turns to steam, which turns a turbine, which turns a generator and generates electricity