Chapter 25.3, Problem 25LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To give advantages of using heavy water instead of ordinary water in nuclear reactors.

Concept Introduction: The splitting of nuclei takes place when, the nuclei of an isotope are bombarded with neutrons, this splitting results in nuclear fission.

Answer to Problem 25LC

Instead of ordinary water, heavy water is used in a nuclear reactor as it has a high moderating ratio and low absorption for neutrons.

Explanation of Solution

A nuclear reactor plays a beneficial role in producing electricity. This device control and initiates nuclear fission.

The role of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is discussed as follows:

• During the fission process, heavy water is used to slow down the neutrons.
• It is an excellent moderator, as it can work at high temperatures and has minimum absorption probability for neutrons.

Heavy water is used in nuclear reactors as a neutron moderator, it slows down neutron production and gives stability to the fission reactions.

Instead of ordinary water, heavy water is used in a nuclear reactor as it has a high moderating ratio and low absorption for neutrons.

Conclusion

Instead of ordinary water, heavy water is used in a nuclear reactor as it has a high moderating ratio and low absorption for neutrons.