Chapter 30, Problem 60A

To determine

To Explain:

The role of moderator in a fission reaction.

Answer to Problem 60A

The moderator slows down the neutrons and increasesthe chance of absorption of the neutrons.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

A moderator is basically a material that is used in nuclear reactors which slows down the neutrons that are produced from the fission reaction.

They are made up of materials that have very light nuclei that cannot absorb neutrons despite slowing down the neutrons by collisions.

For the safe use of energy which is produced from the nuclear fission reaction, it is necessary to control the nuclear chain reaction.

A chain reaction that has less concentration of a single neutron produced from fission the process should take place first to cause the fission of another atom. This is achieved in the reactor with the help of a moderator.

Conclusion:

Hence, the moderator is used to slow down the neutrons in order to increase the chance of absorption of the neutrons.