In a nuclear reactor, the neutrons that are created as a result of fission are slowed down by use of a substance called a moderator. The likelihood of a neutron connecting with nuclei containing 235U is considerably boosted when the neutrons’ velocity is decreased. This helps to ensure that the chain reaction continues uninterrupted.
Within the reactor vessel itself, the fuel rods are submerged in water, which serves both as a coolant and a moderator due to its location inside the reactor. In order to keep the chain reaction going, the moderator works to slow down the neutrons that are created by the fission process.
What is the role of moderator in nuclear reactor?
In a nuclear reactor, the neutrons that are created as a result of fission are slowed down by use of a substance known as a moderator.The likelihood of a neutron connecting with nuclei of uranium-235 is considerably boosted when neutrons’ speeds are reduced; this helps ensure that the chain reaction continues uninterrupted.As a moderation agent, graphite, which is a type of carbon, is frequently utilized.
What is a neutron moderator?
The protection of people and objects from neutron radiation is another application for neutron moderators. The vast majority of neutrons produced by prompt fission have energy ranging from 0.1 MeV to 10 MeV. Neutrons with high energies scatter heavily with heavy nuclei in a very elastic manner.
How does a moderator slow down a fission chain reaction?
The nuclei of a graphite moderator either absorb or slow down the fast neutrons, which then makes room for exactly the right amount of slow neutrons to keep the chain reaction of fission going at a steady rate.
Why is graphite used as a moderator in nuclear reactors?
In spite of the fact that graphite has significantly lower and s, it is a better moderator than light water due to its smaller absorption cross-section compared to that of light water.This is because graphite contains much heavier nuclei than hydrogen, which is found in water.The light water reactor (LWR) is the most prevalent type of nuclear reactor.In this type of reactor, light water serves both as a moderator and a coolant.