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Question
What is a nuclear reactor? Explain its essential parts with their functions.
Solution
Nuclear reactor: A Nuclear reactor is a device in which the nuclear fission reaction takes place in a self–sustained and controlled manner to produce electricity.
Components of a Nuclear Reactor:
The essential components of a nuclear reactor are
- Fuel: A fissile material is used as fuel. The commonly used fuel material is uranium.
- Moderator: A moderator is used to slow down the high-energy neutrons to provide slow neutrons. Graphite and heavy water are commonly used moderators.
- Control rod: Control rods are used to control the number of neutrons in order to have a sustained chain reaction. Mostly boron or cadmium rods are used as control rods. They absorb the neutrons.
- Coolant: A coolant is used to remove the heat produced in the reactor core, to produce steam. This steam is used to run a turbine in order to produce electricity. Water, air, and helium are some of the coolants.
- Protection wall: A thick concrete lead wall is built around the nuclear reactor in order to prevent harmful radiations from escaping into the environment.
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