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IAEA Prelim Exam Mod2 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary process that enables a nuclear reactor to generate energy?

A

Fission

Fission is the splitting of atomic nuclei, which releases a significant amount of energy.

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2
Q

Fill in the blank: A nuclear reactor works by _______ atomic nuclei.

A

splitting

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3
Q

What are the main components of a nuclear reactor?

A
  • Fuel
  • Moderator
  • Control rods
  • Coolant
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4
Q

True or False: In a nuclear reactor, fission reactions are used to heat water and produce steam.

A

True

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5
Q

What role does the moderator play in a nuclear reactor?

A

Slows down neutrons

Moderators, such as water or graphite, are used to slow down neutrons to sustain the fission chain reaction.

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6
Q

What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?

A

Regulate the fission reaction

Control rods absorb neutrons and are used to control the rate of the fission reaction.

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7
Q

Fill in the blank: The _______ is used to transfer heat away from the reactor core.

A

coolant

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8
Q

What is the only fissile material that exists in nature?

A

235 U

Natural uranium consists of about .7% 235 U.

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9
Q

To be used as fuel, uranium must be enriched to what percentage?

A

3-5%

Enrichment is necessary for effective use in reactors.

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10
Q

What is the primary function of a coolant in a reactor?

A

To flow through the core and remove heat

Coolant prevents overheating and facilitates energy extraction.

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11
Q

What characteristics should a coolant possess?

A

High heat capacity, low viscosity, and not capture neutrons

Common coolants include water, helium, or liquid metals.

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12
Q

What types of materials are commonly used as moderators in reactors?

A

Water and graphite

Moderators slow down neutrons to facilitate fission.

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13
Q

What speed do neutrons emitted from fission move at?

A

20000 km/s

This high speed necessitates the use of a moderator to slow them down.

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14
Q

Fill in the blank: The fission of a __________ is easier when interacting with slow neutrons.

A

235 U

Slow neutrons increase the likelihood of fission events.

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15
Q

True or False: All reactors use water as a coolant.

A

False

While many reactors use water, some use helium or liquid metals.

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16
Q

List two other fissile materials besides 235 U.

A
  • 241 Pu
  • 239 Pu
  • 232 Th

These materials can also undergo fission under certain conditions.

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17
Q

What are fuel rods made of?

A

Ziracloy

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18
Q

What are neutron absorbers used for?

A

To control nuclear chain reaction

Neutron absorbers are critical in managing the rate of nuclear fission.

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19
Q

What is a key requirement for neutron absorbers?

A

Strong capability for neutron capture and withstand long-term radiation exposure

This ensures they function effectively in controlling chain reactions.

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20
Q

What must neutron absorbers maintain to continue in a chain reaction?

A

K to atoms

This refers to the ratio of neutron-absorbing isotopes to fissile material.

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21
Q

What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?

A

To adjust reactor power

Control rods manage the rate of fission by absorbing neutrons.

22
Q

What happens when control rods are inserted into a reactor?

A

More neutrons are captured, resulting in fewer fission reactions

This decreases the reactor’s power output.

23
Q

What are neutron poisons in a coolant?

A

Substances that absorb neutrons

These are added to control the reactivity of the reactor.

24
Q

What is an example of a strong neutron absorber?

A

Boron

Boron is commonly used in control rods due to its high neutron absorption cross-section.

25
What do voids in the coolant affect?
The density of the liquid and neutron absorption ## Footnote Voids can lead to changes in reactor reactivity.
26
How does temperature affect the ability of non-fissile materials to absorb neutrons?
As temperature increases, the ability of non-fissile materials to absorb neutrons increases ## Footnote This results in fewer available neutrons for fission.
27
What happens to a chain reaction over time?
It becomes less capable of sustaining itself ## Footnote This is due to the gradual withdrawal of neutron absorbers and depletion of fissile material.
28
True or False: Control rods increase the number of fission reactions when inserted into the reactor.
False ## Footnote Control rods decrease fission reactions by capturing neutrons.
29
What is the purpose of a reactor pressure vessel?
It contains the reactor core and maintains the necessary pressure for the reactor operations. ## Footnote The reactor pressure vessel is critical for safety and efficiency in nuclear reactors.
30
What happens to radiation over time in relation to reactor components?
Radiation decreases contaiment toughness over time, necessitating frequent integrity verification. ## Footnote Regular inspections are crucial to ensure safety and performance.
31
What is the function of a steam generator?
It is a heat exchanger that converts feedwater to steam to drive the turbine. ## Footnote Steam generators are vital in pressurized water reactors (PWRs).
32
Do boiling water reactors (BWRs) use steam generators?
No, BWRs do not use steam generators since water boils in the core. ## Footnote In BWRs, steam is generated directly in the reactor core.
33
Do CANDU reactors use steam generators?
Yes ## Footnote CANDU (CANada Deuterium Uranium) reactors are designed to use heavy water as a moderator.
34
What is a containment in the context of nuclear reactors?
It is a structure designed to contain the reactor and prevent the release of radioactive materials in case of an accident. ## Footnote Containment structures are vital for nuclear safety.
35
What are the two main types of neutrons discussed?
Thermal neutrons and fast neutrons ## Footnote Thermal neutrons are slower and have lower energy, while fast neutrons are faster and have higher energy.
36
What are the primary coolant types mentioned?
Water cooled (heavy water or light water) and gas cooled ## Footnote Gas cooled reactors often use carbon dioxide (CO2) as the coolant.
37
What type of reactor is a BWR?
Boiling light water cooled and moderated reactor ## Footnote In a BWR, water is allowed to boil in the reactor core, generating steam directly.
38
What is unique about the FBR?
It is a fast breeder reactor ## Footnote Fast breeder reactors generate more fissile material than they consume.
39
What is a characteristic of the coolant in PHWR reactors?
It is used to transfer heat out of the core to another water circuit ## Footnote The coolant must be pressurized to prevent boiling.
40
True or False: All reactors use steam generators.
False ## Footnote Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) do not use a steam generator.
41
What is the significance of pressurizing the coolant in nuclear reactors?
To prevent water from boiling ## Footnote Pressurization allows the coolant to remain in liquid form at higher temperatures.
42
What are the most common types of reactors?
Light Water Reactors (PWR/VVER & BWR) ## Footnote PWR stands for Pressurized Water Reactor, VVER is a type of PWR developed in Russia, and BWR is a Boiling Water Reactor.
43
Fill in the blank: LWRs are most _______.
common
44
What is the function of a hot gas duct in a gas-cooled reactor?
To transport hot gases from the reactor core ## Footnote This design is used to improve heat transfer and efficiency in certain reactor types.
45
What does the acronym CANDU stand for?
Canadian Deuterium Uranium ## Footnote CANDU reactors use heavy water as a moderator and coolant.
46
What happens when sodium comes into contact with air?
It ignites ## Footnote This characteristic poses safety concerns for sodium-cooled reactors.
47
What is a common cooling method used in sodium-cooled reactors?
Liquid sodium ## Footnote Liquid sodium is used due to its excellent thermal conductivity.
48
Fill in the blank: Reactors under construction are referred to as _______.
Gen III
49
What does the future hold for reactors?
High temp gas cooled reactors and small modular reactors
50
What is an important property of a moderator in a LWR?
Do not absorb too many neutrons and slow down fast neutrons ## Footnote LWR stands for Light Water Reactor, which uses water as both a coolant and moderator.
51
Why should reactor cooling continue after reactor shutdown?
Fission products produce decay heat ## Footnote Decay heat is the heat released by the decay of radioactive isotopes produced during fission.
52
Which reactor does not have a steam generator?
BWR ## Footnote BWR stands for Boiling Water Reactor, which directly boils water to generate steam.

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