In a nuclear reactor, the excess neutrons produced from fission are absorbed by elements, preferably in solid form, which will not undergo fission when they absorb a neutron. From the table below, choose the best material to absorb neutrons in a nuclear reactor, and then explain your choice.   Half-lives of isotopes Isotope Half-Life (if unstable)  1H stable 2H stable 3H 12.3 years 12C stable 13C stable 14C 5730 years 27Al stable 28Al 2.25 minutes 209Bi stable 210Bi 5.01 days

Chemistry
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Chapter19: The Nucleus: A Chemist's View
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In a nuclear reactor, the excess neutrons produced from fission are absorbed by elements, preferably in solid form, which will not undergo fission when they absorb a neutron.

From the table below, choose the best material to absorb neutrons in a nuclear reactor, and then explain your choice.

 

Half-lives of isotopes

Isotope Half-Life (if unstable) 
1H stable
2H stable
3H 12.3 years
12C stable
13C stable
14C 5730 years
27Al stable
28Al 2.25 minutes
209Bi stable
210Bi 5.01 days
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