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Flip to reveal answersWhat are the four key components of a nuclear reactor?
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All 12 Flashcards — Nuclear reactors and their components
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Question
What are the four key components of a nuclear reactor?
Answer
**Fuel**, **moderator**, **control rods** and **heat exchanger**.
Question
What is the function of the moderator?
Answer
It **slows down the fast neutrons** so they are more likely to cause the next fission.
Question
What is the function of the control rods?
Answer
They **absorb spare neutrons** to keep the chain reaction steady (or shut it down).
Question
What is the function of the fuel?
Answer
It is the material (e.g. **uranium-235**) that **undergoes fission** and releases the energy.
Question
What is the function of the heat exchanger?
Answer
It **carries heat out of the core** to boil water into steam, which drives a turbine.
Question
Name two suitable moderator materials.
Answer
**Water** or **graphite** (both slow neutrons effectively).
Question
Name two suitable control-rod materials.
Answer
**Boron** or **cadmium** (both strongly absorb neutrons).
Question
Why must the neutrons be slowed down?
Answer
A **slow** neutron is **much more likely** to be absorbed by U-235 and cause fission than a fast one — so slowing them keeps the chain reaction going.
Question
What happens when the control rods are lowered (inserted)?
Answer
More neutrons are **absorbed**, so the chain reaction **slows down**. Raising them speeds it up.
Question
Moderator vs control rods — what is the difference?
Answer
Both act on neutrons: the moderator **slows** them (helps fission); the control rods **absorb** them (limit fission).
Question
How does the reactor turn nuclear energy into electricity?
Answer
Fission heats the core → the heat exchanger makes **steam** → steam spins a **turbine** → the turbine drives a **generator**.
Question
Given data-booklet formula for the energy released by a fission?
Answer
$E = mc^{2}$ — the lost mass (mass defect) times the speed of light squared.
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Full study notes for Nuclear reactors and their components
Topic 5.4 hub
Fission
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