Chain reaction and nuclear reactors

Question 1

What are some of the common features of a nuclear reactor

Answer 1

Fuel rods
Moderators
control rods
Coolant
Shielding

Question 1

What is a chain reaction

Answer 1

It refers to a process in which neutrons released in fission produce an additional fission in at least one further nuclear

Question 2

What are fuel rods

Answer 2

Rods that contain enriched uranium pellets
3-5% Uranium 235

Question 3

What is the moderator

Answer 3

Space between fuel rods that is filled with a moderator
This moderator is used to slow down the chain reaction process
-Heavy water
-Graphite
-Water
The neutrons released slow down as they bounce off moderators atoms

Question 4

What are control rods

Answer 4

Used to slow down the chain reaction
Rods are lowered into the reactor vessel it begins to absorb some neutrons that are being released from the fuel rods
Carbide
Silver
Cadmium

Question 5

What is coolant

Answer 5

usually water is circulated through a nuclear reactor to transfer heat from core to generators
Sometimes the coolant is isolated from the system

Question 6

Shielding

Answer 6

Reactors are enclosed in steel and surrounded by several meters of concrete and possibly lead to prevent radiation from escaping