Question

Describe the nature and purpose of these components of a nuclear reactor:

(a) control rods.

(b) moderator.

(c) reflector.

Short answer

a. Control rods absorb neutrons, preventing them from producing additional fission.

b. A reactor's moderator is employed to slow down high-velocity neutrons.

c. The reactor core is protected from radiation and heat by the reflector. It also reduces a core's coolant flow bypass.

Step-by-step solution

To Describe the nature and purpose

The heart of a nuclear power plant are nuclear reactors. It commands and controls the nuclear chain reactions.

a. Control rods is being inserted into the reactor core to reduce the reaction rate. It prevents the neutrons from causing further fission by absorbing neutrons.

b. Moderator is a material such as heavy water, graphite, light water, and ordinary water used in a reactor to slow down high-velocity neutrons, thus increasing the likelihood of fission.

c. Reflector serves as a radiation and thermal shield to the reactor core. It also reduces a coolant flow bypass of a core