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What is a nuclear reactor? Explain its essential parts with their functions.
Nuclear reactor:
A nuclear reactor is a device in which the reaction takes place in a to produce electricity.
The first-ever nuclear reactor was built by Fermi in , in \(1942\).
Components of a nuclear reactor:
The nuclear reactor used for generating electricity has five major components such as
(i) Fuel:
Nuclear fuel is the most important part of the reactor, which is made of . are used as fuel.
(ii) Moderator:
A moderator is utilised to to produce slow neutrons. The most commonly used moderators are , out of which heavy water is the commonly used moderator.
The neutrons in a fission reaction have of energy, and the probability of these neutrons producing a fission reaction is \(500\) times less than that of slow-moving neutrons. Thus, the moderator converts these fast neutrons to slow neutrons.
(iii) Control rods:
Control rods are used to maintain the chain reaction by controlling the number of . Control rods are usually made of to absorb the neutrons. The rods are fixed in the walls of the reactor.
During the time of nuclear reaction, control rods are used in two stages.
In the , the control rods are completely inserted into the reactor to absorb all the emitted neutrons and to avoid any further fission reactions.
In the , the control rods are taken out of the reactor when the right number of neutrons is available to maintain the controlled fission reaction at the required rate.
(iv) Coolant:
A coolant is mainly used to produce by removing the heat produced in the reactor core. This to generate electricity. Some of the coolants are . is the most efficient and commonly used coolant.
(v) Protection wall:
A is created around the nuclear reactor to keep hazardous radiation from escaping into the environment.
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