Question

The following questions are about the nuclear reactor of a power plant. 

(a) Which isotope of uranium produces the energy in the fuel rods ?

(b) Will the fuel rods last for ever ? 

(c) Is the energy produced by nuclear fission or nuclear fusion ? 

(d) What is the purpose of using the graphite moderator ? 

(e) What is the function of boron rods in the nuclear reactor ? 

(f) Why is liquid sodium (or carbon dioxide gas) pumped through the reactor ?

Answer 1

(a) Uranium-235 

(b) No 

(c) Nuclear fission 

(d) Moderator slows down the speed of neutrons to make them fit for causing fission. 

(e) Boron rods are used to absorb excess neutrons and prevent the fission reaction from going out of control. 

(f) Liquid sodium or carbon dioxide gas is used as a ‘coolant’ to transfer the heat produced to heat exchanger for converting water into steam.