Describe how the control rods in a nuclear reactor are used to regulate nuclear fission in a nuclear reactor.

A control rod is a device that can be used to absorb neutrons released from nuclear fission. They can be used to slow down or completely stop a reaction by lowering them or raising them into the reactor chamber . They are useful as nuclear fission on average releases 2.5 neutron per reaction where the process only needs one to continue the chain reaction. The control rods absorb these extra neutrons adjusting the power output of the nuclear reactor to a satisfactory level to be sure the reactor does not overheat which would lead to failure.

LJ
Answered by Laurie J. Physics tutor

2282 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why does a wire get hot when current flows through it?


How much thermal energy does a 1 kg steel block with a specific heat capacity of 450 J/kg°C lose when it cools from 400°C to 60°C?


Does kinetic friction always oppose the direction of motion?


a) A car weighs 1500kg, if it is travelling at 7m/s, how much kinetic energy does it have?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences