Nuclear reactor, Science

Assignment Help:

Nuclear Reactor:

Nuclear fission can be maintaned as a controlled cjiain reaction in a nuclear reactor to produce  energy. Fermi had found from experiment  that slower moving neutrons were more effective in causing nuclearfission.  But most neutrons produced by the splitting of the nuclei are quite fast. A way was required to slow  them down. It was found that certain materials slow down the neutrons. Graphite. a pure form of carbon, is one such material. Such materials are  called moderators. There was still the problem of controlling the chain reaction so  created,  that is, to stop the  , reaction or allow it to proceed at will. Materials which absorb neutrons would serve to control the reaction. The neutrons absorbed by  such materials would be removed and would no longer split atomic nuclei. And the reaction would be controlled. The material usually chosen as an absorber of neutrons, is cadmium or boron steel. In a nuclear reactor . rod-like containers of Uranium-235 are inserted in holes made in a huge block of graphite. The graphite block slows down neutrons to enhance the chain reaction. Control rods of cadmium are also inserted into the graphite block. When pushed out, they absorb fewer neutrons and the reaction is speeded up. The problem, then, is to remove the heat and use it to generate electrical energy. This is achieved by circulating water, or liquid sodium to absorb the heat generated  in the graphite block. This heat may generate steam, which can turn a turbine (a wheel with slanting blades) anqhe  connected electrical generator.  

795_Nuclear Reactor.png

Today we have reactors capable of yielding power upto 500 Megawatts. Smaller  reactors which give 1 to 5 Megawatt power are  mostly used for reseasch work. The large ones are used for producing electricity, and driving submarines,  or ships. From the uranium rods used in the reactor, another fissionable material like Plutonium 239 may be obtained.


Related Discussions:- Nuclear reactor

Health management technology, classification of various qualitative & quant...

classification of various qualitative & quantitative health management technologies

Explain precipitation - antigen-antibody interaction, Explain Precipitation...

Explain Precipitation - Antigen-Antibody Interaction If Ag-Ab are present in an appropriate ratio, they form a precipitate in blood. Turbidity is developed, this can be measure

Code of practice in a laboratory, Code of Practice in a Laboratory The ...

Code of Practice in a Laboratory The following is a set of rules you should follow while working in a laboratory: 1. Always wear the required protective clothing. 2. Make

Fst-1, Describe the factors which decide the broad area of scientific activ...

Describe the factors which decide the broad area of scientific activity?

Role of antibody mediated immune system, Role of Antibody Mediated Immune S...

Role of Antibody Mediated Immune System The AMlS defends the body against free viruses, bacteria with polysaccharide capsules and toxins that enter the body fluids (blood and l

History of the earth, The Early History of the Earth The Earth has be...

The Early History of the Earth The Earth has been evolving and changing ever since its origin, about 4.5 billion years ago. In the first  tens of millions of years of  the Ea

Cell theory, Ask question #Minimumwhat is that definition for cell theory? ...

Ask question #Minimumwhat is that definition for cell theory? 100 words accepted#

Psychology and science, Plan 1 Induction 2 Features of science a) controlle...

Plan 1 Induction 2 Features of science a) controlled observation b) objectivity c) falsifiability d) paradigm e) replicability 3 Aims of science a) prediction b) understanding c)

Procedure electricity and water in a laboratory, PROCEDURE A. For Gas ...

PROCEDURE A. For Gas Supply Visit the LPG gas store room 1 cracking plant along with your counsellor or the lab in charge' and note the way supply of gas is regulated. It

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd