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Chapter 11: Problem 22

Explain how materials that absorb neutrons are used to control nuclear fission chain reactions.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Neutron-absorbing materials, also known as control rods, are inserted into a nuclear reactor between the fuel rods containing fissile material. These control rods capture neutrons, preventing them from causing further fission reactions, thus slowing down the chain reaction. By adjusting the position of control rods, operators can control the rate of fission reactions, controlling the production of heat and electricity. This allows for a stable and self-sustaining chain reaction, enabling the safe and controlled use of nuclear fission as an energy source.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium or plutonium, into two smaller nuclei, called fission products. This process releases a significant amount of energy in the form of radiation and heat. It also produces free neutrons which can go on to cause further fission reactions.
02

Explaining Chain Reactions

A nuclear fission chain reaction occurs when one or more free neutrons produced by a fission process go on to cause additional fission reactions in other heavy, fissile atoms. As each subsequent fission produces even more neutrons, the process can continue, increasing the release of energy. If this chain reaction is allowed to continue unchecked, it can lead to a rapid, uncontrolled increase in the production of energy, potentially resulting in a catastrophic explosion.
03

Importance of Neutron Absorbing Materials

To control nuclear fission chain reactions, materials that can absorb neutrons, called neutron absorbers or control rods, are used. These materials have a high affinity for capturing neutrons and preventing them from causing further fission reactions. Some common materials used as control rods include boron carbide, hafnium, and cadmium.
04

Inserting Control Rods

Control rods are inserted into a nuclear reactor between the fuel rods, which contain the fissile material. By inserting control rods, the number of neutrons available for causing further fission reactions is reduced, thus slowing down the rate of the chain reaction. The more control rods inserted into the reactor or the deeper they are inserted, the slower the fission reaction rate will be.
05

Adjusting Control Rods to Control the Reaction

To maintain a steady and controlled production of energy, the position of control rods in a nuclear reactor can be adjusted. By inserting or removing control rods, operators can control the rate at which fission reactions occur, thus regulating the production of heat and, ultimately, the generation of electricity. By carefully adjusting the control rods, a stable and self-sustaining chain reaction can be maintained, which allows for the safe and controlled use of nuclear fission as a source of energy.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the last name of the two nuclear scientists who won three Nobel Prizes between them and were mother and daughter?

A large number of regular six-sided dice are shaken together in a box, then dumped onto a table. Those showing " 1 "or \({ }^{\prime \prime} 2^{\prime \prime}\) are removed, and the process is repeated with the remaining ones. (See Explore It Yourself \(11.1 .\) ) Is the half-life of the dice greater than, equal to, or less than one throw?

What was the source of the lightest nuclei, like deuterium, in the universe? Where were the rest of the elements in the periodic table through uranium produced?

Describe the common types of radioactive decay. What effect does each have on a nucleus?

What aspect of nuclear fission makes it possible for a chain reaction to occur? What is the difference between a chain reaction in a bomb and one in a nuclear power plant?
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