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How can the fission be controlled or stopped in a nuclear reactor?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
The nuclear chain reaction is controlled using neutron absorbing control rods containing boron, and in PWR's by also using soluble boron when necessary. Nuclear engineers use a term called reactivity, which just means the surplus of neutrons from one generation to another, and in steady operation this is zero. During the fission reactions fission products are produced, some of these are neutron absorbers like Xenon131, and their concentration changes with power changes, so that adjustments with the control rods are necessary following such changes. On start-up with new fuel for example it takes some hours before equilibrium xenon is reached, and if power has to be reduced the xenon rises again as a delayed action, so enough control to overcome the increased poisoning has to retained, or the reactor will shut itself down. The reactivity with new fuel loaded is higher than at the end of the fuel life, and this is where boric acid added to the reactor water circuit is useful.
The reactor power (neutron flux level) is constantly monitored with instruments so that the control room staff know what is happening and can respond. In addition automatic safety circuits are triggered if there is an increase in flux beyond a certain point which the operators don't react to, and this inserts the control rods fully (scram or trip) which shuts the reactor down and holds it down. So there is no chance of a runaway.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Fission in a nuclear reactor can be controlled or stopped by inserting control rods made of materials like boron or cadmium into the reactor core. These control rods absorb the neutrons that are necessary to sustain the chain reaction, thereby slowing down or stopping the fission process. The control rods can be moved in or out of the reactor core to regulate the rate of fission reactions.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThe fission is controlled in a nuclear reactor using materials that are having high neutron absorption capabilities. Accordingly, rate of nuclear fission is controlled or stopped by controlling the number of neutrons available to produce fissions.
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Can the chain reaction of nuclear fission be stopped or controlled?
Yes, the chain reaction of nuclear fission can be controlled by using control rods made of materials like boron or cadmium that absorb neutrons, thus regulating the rate of fission. Additionally, cooling systems can also be used to control the temperature and prevent the reactor from overheating.
True or false the energy from nuclear fission is released as heat?
True. Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation.
What kind of energy is given from a nuclear fission reaction?
The initial release of energy is in the form of kinetic energy of the fission fragments, but they are quickly stopped inside the fuel and the energy appears as heat, which is then passed into the coolant, whether water or gas.
What kind of energy is given off from a nuclear fusion reaction and from a nuclear fission reaction?
Nuclear fusion reactions release energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation, mainly in the form of gamma rays and kinetic energy of the released particles. In contrast, nuclear fission reactions primarily release energy in the form of kinetic energy of the fission fragments and gamma rays.
A nuclear fission chain reaction of U-235 starts with a slow neutron. What produces this first neutron?
The first neutron in a nuclear fission chain reaction can be produced by a neutron source such as a neutron generator or a nuclear reactor. In a reactor, neutrons can also be emitted from decaying fissile material such as U-235 or Pu-239.
Can the chain reaction of nuclear fission be stopped or controlled?
Yes, the chain reaction of nuclear fission can be controlled by using control rods made of materials like boron or cadmium that absorb neutrons, thus regulating the rate of fission. Additionally, cooling systems can also be used to control the temperature and prevent the reactor from overheating.
What could happen if the water stopped flowing through a nuclear reactor?
If water stopped flowing through a nuclear reactor, the cooling system would fail, leading to a buildup of heat. This could result in the fuel rods overheating and potentially melting down, causing a severe nuclear accident like a meltdown. Cooling water is essential for regulating the temperature and preventing the reactor from overheating.
How does the control rod affect the rate of reaction in the nuclear reactor?
Control rods absorb neutrons in a nuclear reactor, regulating the rate of fission reactions by controlling the number of free neutrons available to cause further reactions. By inserting control rods into the reactor core, the reaction rate can be slowed down or stopped, while retracting them allows the reaction rate to increase.
How did the Nuclear reactor get damiged?
If you are talking about the Nuclear Reactors in Japan, they were damaged because when they lost power, the water pumps used to cool them stopped, and all of the nuclear material overheated.
Why is the nuclear reactor surrounded by a thick concrete layer?
To stop radiation leaking out. Alpha and Beta types of radiation will be stopped by the concrete
True or false the energy from nuclear fission is released as heat?
True. Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation.
What is done to keep the nuclear reactor under control?
control rods act like brakes to slow the neutron chain reaction rate in normal operation. the SCRAM system acts in emergencies to completely bring the neutron chain reaction to an instant stop. even with the reactor stopped, the cooling system must operate to prevent overheating from the radioactive decay of the built up fission products.
What kind of energy is given from a nuclear fission reaction?
The initial release of energy is in the form of kinetic energy of the fission fragments, but they are quickly stopped inside the fuel and the energy appears as heat, which is then passed into the coolant, whether water or gas.
What is the type of energy transfer taking place during nuclear energy?
Nuclear energy involves the process of nuclear fission, where the energy released comes from the splitting of atoms. This energy transfer is in the form of heat, which is then typically converted into electricity through various methods.
When an atom splits (fission) what kind of energy is produced?
The nuclear energy released appears initially as kinetic energy of the fission fragments, but they are quickly stopped in the surrounding material and the energy then turns to heat. There is also some gamma ray energy released.
Severe overheating of a nuclear reactor core?
Severe overheating of a nuclear reactor core, known as a meltdown, occurs when the core loses its ability to cool down, potentially leading to fuel melting and damage to the reactor containment. It can release harmful radiation into the environment and pose serious health and safety risks. Containment measures such as cooling systems and emergency response protocols are in place to prevent and mitigate such events.
How do you convert nuclear to thermal energy?
In a nuclear power plant, nuclear energy is captured through the process of nuclear fission, where atoms are split to release heat. This heat is then used to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators, ultimately converting the nuclear energy into thermal energy. The thermal energy is then used to generate electricity.
