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In the reactor of a nuclear power plant, name the material which is used:
(a) as a moderator
(b) to absorb radiations
(c) in the fuel rods
(d) in the control rods
(e) to carry away heat
(a) Graphite is used as a moderator.
Explanation
Graphite rods are used as a moderator in a nuclear reactor so that the fast-moving neutrons produced by fission can be slows down. By slowing the neutron, the possibilities of the neutron reacting with the nucleus of Uranium-235 increases significantly, allowing the chain reaction to be maintained.
(b) Concrete chamber absorbs the nuclear radiation.
Explanation
The concrete chamber surrounding the reactor of a nuclear power plant is commonly known as the "containment vessel". It is a thick concrete shield that absorbs neutrons and ionising radiation, which can be 5.5m thick in general practice.
(c) Uranium-235 is used in the fuel rods.
Explanation
When the heavy nucleus of Uranium-235 atoms are bombarded with slow-moving neutrons, the heavy uranium nucleus breaks up to produce two medium-weighted atoms, barium-139 and krypton-94, with the emission of three neutrons. A tremendous amount of energy is produced in this process.
(d) Boron rods are used as the control rods.
Explanation
The control rods of a nuclear reactor are made of chemical elements, such as boron, silver, indium and cadmium.
The control rods are used in nuclear reactors by inserting them into the core and adjusted in order to control the fission rate of the nuclear chain reaction of uranium or plutonium and, thereby, the thermal power output of the reactor, the rate of steam production, and the electrical power output of the power station.
These rods are made of chemical elements, such as boron, cadmium, silver, or indium, that are capable of absorbing many neutrons without fissioning themselves. All these elements have different neutron capture cross sections for neutrons of various energies.
(e) Liquid sodium is used to carry away the heat.
Explanation
Heat is removed from the nuclear reactor core with the help of liquid sodium, which acts as a coolant, therefore it absorbs the heat and transfer it to the heat exchanger.
Image is posted for reference only.