What is the function of the control rods in the entire fission reactor proccess?
Fuel rods provide fissionable elements such as uranium - 235 , The uranium abosrbs a neutron at thermal speeds ( energy transefered to the moderator) from previous reactions. This then enables the Uranium to go through a fission reaction. The reaction splits the uranium into smaller elements with a higher binding energy per neucleon, neutrons and energy. The neutrons expelled from this reaction create a exponetial increase in the rate or on going reactions. The control rods reduce the reaction rate the further they are lowered into the chamber. The control rods absorb the neutrons to modulate this ratebof reaction.
CS
Related Physics A Level answers
All answers ▸A spacecraft called Deep Space 1, mass 486 kg, uses an “ion-drive” engine which expels 0.13 kg of xenon propellant each day at 30kms^-1. What is the initial increase in speed of the spacecraft
A coil is connected to an analogue centre zero ammeter. A magnet is dropped (North pole first) so that it falls vertically and completely through the coil. What would be observe on the ammeter?
Bismuth-208, which has an atomic mass of 208u and 83 protons in the nucleus, decays through the emission of 2 alpha particles and a beta-positive particle. What isotope results from this decay?
Asteroid of mass 10^16 kg is travelling in the equatorial plane of Earth. It hits the surface at 45°. After the impact the day shortens by 1% (15 mins). How fast was the asteroid - comment? Neglect effects of atmosphere. Consider only inelastic collision.